Understanding the Tinnitus Journey: Lived Experience as a Guide

The ATA is dedicated to supporting individuals living with tinnitus, no matter where they are in their journey. Support comes in many forms, with lived experience being a tremendous source of hope and information. The stories here are all unique and intended to provide encouragement, awareness, empathy, and tools that may help you and others.

We begin with the story of William Shatner, ATA honorary board member, who is best known for his role as Captain Kirk in Star Trek. It was during filming that Shatner was exposed to a loud blast that injured his ears, resulting in tinnitus. Shatner worked with the ATA to find effective management tools, and today considers himself habituated to the sound. We hope his story and the voices of others will provide a useful roadmap for healing you navigate unwanted sound.

If you need information on managing tinnitus, call the ATA’s Tinnitus Advisors Program at 800–634–8978, ext. 3.

If you’d like to share your journey with tinnitus, email editor@ata.org. Your voice and experience matter!