The American Tinnitus Association (ATA), a non-profit dedicated to serving the needs of the tinnitus community, announced the opening of applications for its 2024 Innovative Research Grants Program. 

ATA offers seed grant funding for research investigating tinnitus interventions ranging from therapy using drugs and supplements to those that employ sound and counseling. By facilitating pilot data collection and feasibility studies, ATA grants empower researchers to pursue larger funding opportunities from institutions such as the U.S. National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Department of Defense. 

“Each patient with tinnitus is unique in many ways, and as a consequence, a single intervention that would address everyone’s tinnitus remains elusive,” says Marc Fagelson, ATA scientific advisory committee chair. “ATA supports investigators who remain dedicated to chipping away at the problem, and whose work identifies and develops diverse interventions with potential to support the needs of a wide variety of patient sub-groups.”

Funding is available for new investigators trying to build a tinnitus research program as well as established research teams with an emerging interest in tinnitus. Funding for student projects is also offered with the hope that the next generation of tinnitus scholars and providers will continue to improve access to care and interventions, and as a result, patient outcomes. ATA is accepting innovative tinnitus research proposals until April 26, 2024.

Further reading: Why Irreversible Hearing Loss or Tinnitus is a Risk for Gamers

About the Tinnitus Grant Program

ATA grants support one- or two-year investigations aimed at contributing substantively to the scientific understanding of tinnitus and improving patient care and quality of life for those affected by tinnitus, according to the association. By supporting innovative research, ATA strives to contribute to the discovery of potential breakthroughs that advance scientific understanding of tinnitus and improve quality-of-life outcomes for people suffering from tinnitus.

ATA provides seed grants for junior investigators, as well as established scholars in the process of developing new lines of research that include examinations of tinnitus and sound tolerance disorders.

Grant Categories include a $60,000 Innovative Tinnitus Research Grant for established investigators and a $25,000 Innovative Tinnitus Research Grant for early investigators

Scientists, academics, and healthcare professionals whose work focuses on tinnitus mechanisms, effects, or the practical needs of patients bothered by tinnitus are encouraged to apply. Applications are open to all researchers, regardless of career stage or international status.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted via ProposalCentral. Submission instructions can be found here. Applications will close on April 26, 2024

All grant applications undergo a rigorous review by ATA’s Scientific Advisory Committee, and final approval is granted by the ATA Board of Directors, according to the association. The review process is modeled after the National Institutes of Health, ensuring the selection of high-impact projects. Applications must adhere to submission guidelines to be eligible for review.