Introducing Tinnitus Quest

[Hazel]

"Why don't you get a celebrity ambassador?"

It's a question we've been asked countless times over the years.

And we've always had to explain: it's not that easy. Tinnitus isn't a "sexy" cause. It's invisible. Misunderstood. Celebrities don't want to be associated with it — and even if they did, reaching them requires personal connections and a lot of persistence.

But now… the day has finally come.

William Shatner — legendary actor, cultural icon, and long-time tinnitus sufferer — is using his voice to support Tinnitus Quest and the millions around the world who live with tinnitus every day.

No one of Shatner's calibre has ever spoken out for the tinnitus community — other than Shatner himself, years ago. And sadly, there's now a whole new generation of sufferers who have never seen a high-profile figure speak up for them. Millions who feel unseen and unheard.

Let this be the moment we've all been waiting for — the push that tinnitus research so desperately needs.

Want the full story of how this came to be?

Check out this fantastic blog post by our intrepid team member JD, who flew all the way to L.A. to coordinate the shoot.

Now we're asking you to do your part:

Watch, comment, like, and share the video — and help spread this message far and wide.
You'll find all the social media links below (and the YouTube video embedded above).

This is a huge win for the tinnitus community. Let's make sure the world hears it!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok
• X
• LinkedIn

 

[Watasha]

"Why don't you get a celebrity ambassador?"

It's a question we've been asked countless times over the years.

And we've always had to explain: it's not that easy. Tinnitus isn't a "sexy" cause. It's invisible. Misunderstood. Celebrities don't want to be associated with it — and even if they did, reaching them requires personal connections and a lot of persistence.

But now… the day has finally come.

William Shatner — legendary actor, cultural icon, and long-time tinnitus sufferer — is using his voice to support Tinnitus Quest and the millions around the world who live with tinnitus every day.

No one of Shatner's calibre has ever spoken out for the tinnitus community — other than Shatner himself, years ago. And sadly, there's now a whole new generation of sufferers who have never seen a high-profile figure speak up for them. Millions who feel unseen and unheard.

Let this be the moment we've all been waiting for — the push that tinnitus research so desperately needs.

Want the full story of how this came to be?

Check out this fantastic blog post by our intrepid team member JD, who flew all the way to L.A. to coordinate the shoot.

Now we're asking you to do your part:

Watch, comment, like, and share the video — and help spread this message far and wide.
You'll find all the social media links below (and the YouTube video embedded above).

This is a huge win for the tinnitus community. Let's make sure the world hears it!

• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok
• X
• LinkedIn

Congratulations @Hazel and @Markku. This is such a fantastic win for our community! Thanks for all that you do.

 

[LBE]

This is fantastic! Thanks for everything you're doing.

 

[ErikaS]

Just saw the post with William Shatner on Instagram. What a great voice and a big name to help raise awareness for Tinnitus Quest! A huge thank you to our Tinnitus Quest board and team for all the work and effort you are tirelessly putting in behind the scenes.

 

[dd314]

He looks amazing for 94! Shatner is proof that having tinnitus does not have to destroy your health or your mind. Thank you to the team for arranging this message.

 

[Adaś]

@Hazel, @Markku, and the entire Tinnitus Quest team, amazing work! Thank you.

To everyone else, please repost and retweet.

Interestingly, just yesterday while reminiscing about my nu-metal fascination from my twenties, around 25 years ago, I came across some recent footage of Limp Bizkit preparing for a concert. In it, Wes Borland, one of my favorite guitarists, openly talks about his tinnitus. The video had nothing to do with tinnitus or medical issues, it was just a casual "what's up" conversation.

This shows that there are likely many other famous people who are not afraid to speak up about tinnitus. If they see the purpose behind this movement, they might join in. We just need enough momentum for the snowball effect to begin.

 

[ZFire]

Great stuff, guys! I'm really excited for you. I've been sharing this video everywhere — on social media, forums, and with family members.

Let me share some of the responses I've been getting:

First, here's what I've been posting:

Some responses:

By the way, Bluesky has been growing in popularity this year, so you might want to consider setting up an account there as well. Hopefully, you'll start seeing a boost in traffic for Tinnitus Quest.

P.S. Once I find a job (still looking), I'll be donating as soon as possible!

 

[ZFire]

Look what was at the top of my news feed this morning.

 

[Strife_84]

I would love to be a research subject.

 

[Hazel]

 

[SafeMusicFan]

I visited the website yesterday and noticed that the research grants are now open.

It gave me a huge smile. It is incredibly encouraging to see how things are taking shape and moving forward, little by little.

 

[hey]

I'm sorry if this has already been answered, but are you going to reach out to researchers to offer grants, or is Tinnitus Quest waiting to see who applies?

 

[Hazel]

I'm sorry if this has already been answered, but are you going to reach out to researchers to offer grants, or is Tinnitus Quest waiting to see who applies?

No worries, thanks for asking! We don't directly approach researchers with the offer of a grant, per se. Our strategy is to ensure that as many researchers as possible are aware of our grants program, so that hopefully we get many high-quality applications. We've conducted extensive research to identify as many researchers as possible, and have sent approximately 250 emails to announce our grants program.

For now, it's still a waiting game until 15 September, which is the deadline for submitting an application. We have already received six applications. However, I suspect many will leave it until just before the deadline, so we won't have a real sense of the numbers until then.

 

[hey]

I appreciate the response, and I want to thank you and Tinnitus Quest for all that you do for us.

 

[dant06]

I have been a tinnitus sufferer for 44 years. I lost all my hearing in a motorcycle accident that was not my fault. I received a cochlear implant in 1989, then had to be re-implanted in 1992 after being assaulted while walking home. My tinnitus began about six months after losing my hearing, and it has been hell at times over the years.

Much more research needs to be done, not only for tinnitus itself, but also for finding a way to restore damaged hair cells so they can function again, as they do in birds and fish.

 

[Hazel]

Sign up here!