Bipartisan group supports the Tinnitus Research and Treatment Act

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Mike Michaud introduced the Tinnitus Research and Treatment Act, which seeks to boost research and treatment of tinnitus, the number one service-connected disability for veterans from all periods of service. Tinnitus, or ear ringing, is the perception of sound where no external source exists. According to the Department of Defense (DOD), at the end of 2010, 744,000 veterans were receiving disability compensation for tinnitus alone.

“This bill will help ensure that the VA makes the number one health issue facing veterans of all eras an increased priority,” said Michaud, Ranking Member of the Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Health.

According to DOD, while veterans in 2010 received $1.1 billion in disability compensation for service-connected tinnitus, only about $10 million annually is dedicated to research in the public and private sectors. Michaud’s bill seeks to ensure that the VA is dedicating appropriate research time and resources to tinnitus.

David Roe (R-Tennessee), Walter Jones (R-North Carolina), Jesse Jackson, Jr. (D-Illinois), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Laura Richardson (D-California) and Jim McGovern  (D-Massachusetts) are all original cosponsors of Michaud’s bill. An overview of what the bill does can be found below.

Overview of the Tinnitus Research and Treatment Act

Research and treatment of tinnitus by the VA

• Recognizes tinnitus as a mandatory condition for research and treatment by the VA Auditory Centers of Excellence;
• Ensures that research is conducted at VA on the prevention and treatment of tinnitus; and
• Requires research to include certain areas established as priorities by existing tinnitus scientific and advocacy groups.

Encourages interdepartmental cooperation on tinnitus issues

• The Secretary of the VA would ensure cooperation of the VA with the DoD’s Hearing Center of Excellence in order to further research on tinnitus.