William Shatner Joins American Tinnitus Association’s 2010 Walk to Silence Tinnitus 

Here is the full text of the press release:

William Shatner Joins American Tinnitus Association’s 2010 Walk to Silence Tinnitus
- Longtime tinnitus sufferer helping to raise research dollars -

Portland Ore. – The American Tinnitus Association (ATA) is pleased to have veteran film and television star William Shatner join their 2010 Jack Vernon Walk to Silence Tinnitus as a team captain. Mr. Shatner, an honorary board member since 1995, will be helping ATA to raise funds for tinnitus research by spearheading one of the virtual walk teams on ATA’s Walk website: link.

“ATA works with the best and brightest scientists throughout the world who are investigating this terrible condition,” Mr. Shatner states on his Walk team page (link). ATA “makes it possible for anyone to contribute and support research that is moving us toward a cure,” he continued.

Mr. Shatner’s tinnitus began as a result of an accident on the set of the Star Trek television series. “I was filming the episode ‘Arena’ and I was too close to a special effects explosion that resulted in tinnitus. I was so tormented by the screeching in my head that I really thought I would not be able to go on.”

As an individual who is afflicted with tinnitus, Mr. Shatner understands the needs and concerns of tinnitus sufferers. “A lot of people have come up to me over the years asking me for advice about coping with tinnitus,” he notes, “I’m very empathetic to them – I’ve been there.” In the past, Mr. Shatner has lent his personality and passion for advocating for tinnitus research and awareness, appearing in a video on ATA’s Web site and testifying before a congressional panel. Now Mr. Shatner is lending himself to directly help ATA raise funds for tinnitus research.

An estimated 50 million Americans suffer from tinnitus, a chronic and debilitating condition often described as ringing, hissing, or buzzing in the ears. The number one known cause of tinnitus is exposure to extreme noise. Recent advances in both basic and clinical research have led tinnitus investigators to the notion that a cure is possible. Breakthroughs in medical imaging technologies, such as functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), now allow tinnitus researchers to "see" tinnitus - for the first time - on a screen while evaluating tinnitus patients. The isolation of this variable has given hope to the research community that this condition, once considered an "invisible injury," can now not only be seen in real time, but also be cured.

Donors interested in supporting Mr. Shatner’s team in the 2010 Jack Vernon Walk to Silence Tinnitus can do so by visiting ATA’s Walk site, where they can make a tax deductible donation. Simply visit link to learn more. “I encourage you to join me in making a generous donation to the American Tinnitus Association. Its dedicated staff and volunteers are here for us today, helping us live with our tinnitus and supporting innovative research, “ Mr. Shatner concludes.

About the American Tinnitus Association
The American Tinnitus Association, headquartered in Portland, Ore., is the nation’s foremost organization committed to curing tinnitus. Founded in 1971 by Jack Vernon, PhD, ATA has contributed millions of dollars to medical research projects focused on curing tinnitus. The association also provides information on tinnitus to the public, conducts tinnitus seminars for medical professionals and advocates for effective public policies that support its mission of curing tinnitus. www.ata.org.