ATA Funds Nearly $500K in Groundbreaking Tinnitus Research Amid Expanding National Leadership

The American Tinnitus Association accelerates research funding, adds board leadership from Harvard, and earns 4-star Charity Navigator rating amid growing national momentum and donor support.

VIENNA, Va., July 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Tinnitus Association (ATA), the only nonprofit organization solely dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by tinnitus while advancing research toward a cure, proudly announces the approval of nearly $500,000 in new research funding. This major investment is made possible thanks to the generous support of Texas Roadhouse, along with contributions from countless individual donors who believe in the power of science, compassion, and community.

"This level of research investment is only possible because people choose to give," said Patrick A. Lynch, Esq., MBA, CEO of the American Tinnitus Association. "We can only fund what we receive — and every dollar entrusted to us drives forward research that offers real hope and real relief. We're deeply grateful to our supporters for making this progress possible."

ATA received a record-number 38 research proposals, an increase from 25 proposals last year. ATA Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) Chair Marc Fagelson, PhD, said, "We have a leadership role, not only by providing vital support to patients and their families but also by investing in groundbreaking research that seeks to reduce the suffering of millions. This dual commitment—to care and to cure—sets ATA apart as a driving force in the global response to tinnitus."

From identifying neural biomarkers to testing virtual reality–assisted therapy for children, the projects recommended by SAC to the ATA Board of Directors also included innovative tools drawing on machine learning and neuroimaging. "The range and depth of these studies highlight both the urgency and the opportunity: there is still so much to discover, and we're proud to fuel that progress," Dr. Fagelson said.

Under Lynch's leadership, ATA also recently earned a coveted 4-star rating, the highest rating available, from Charity Navigator, reflecting its commitment to transparency, impact, and financial responsibility. This milestone positions ATA as the premier U.S. public charity working with tinnitus patients, providers, and researchers. Founded in 1971, its mission remains grounded in improving the quality of life for individuals suffering from tinnitus and funding research for long-term solutions.

As part of this momentum, Lynch was proud to recognize the many contributions of outgoing ATA Board Chair Jinsheng Zhang, PhD, who helped expand ATA's Scientific Advisory Committee alongside Dr. Fagelson, and who also strengthened the organization's leadership and governance during his tenure. "There is a palpable sense of excitement and a deep commitment among board members, donors, and staff to propel science forward and help patients. Our stakeholders want ATA to succeed, not just as a support organization, but as a driving force in innovation, education, and discovery," Dr. Zhang said. Dr. Zhang will continue his work on the board to help ensure ATA's success in hosting the 2027 Tinnitus Research Initiative Conference in Washington, D.C.

His successor as ATA Board Chair, Stelios Dokianakis, AuD, brings deep clinical experience and a longstanding dedication to patient-centered care. His commitment was sparked decades ago through a powerful conversation with ATA's cofounder, Jack Vernon, PhD, a researcher who championed both scientific discovery and meaningful tinnitus relief rooted in the patient experience.

ATA also proudly welcomed its newest board member, Daniel Polley, PhD, a highly regarded tinnitus researcher who serves as director of the Eaton-Peabody Laboratories at Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts Eye and Ear and professor of otolaryngology—head and neck surgery at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Polley's expertise will help guide ATA's expanding scientific and philanthropic agenda. "I am joining the board because I believe that widely effective therapies for tinnitus are within our grasp but can only come to light when researchers like me team up with charitable foundations like ATA."

"With federal support for tinnitus research in decline, organizations like ATA play an increasingly vital role," said Lynch. "That's why we're investing boldly, building bridges across sectors, and staying laser-focused on patient-centered solutions. ATA is proud to lead the charge toward meaningful relief and ultimately, a cure."

To learn more about ATA or to contribute to research, visit ATA.org.

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SOURCE American Tinnitus Association