Jinsheng Zhang, Ph.D., professor and research director for the Wayne State University School of Medicine's Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, and Communications Sciences and Disorders, has been elected chair of the Scientific Advisory Committee of the American Tinnitus Association.

Dr. Zhang, a resident of Troy, Mich., will serve two years in the position.

The American Tinnitus Association has been a global leader in the effort to find a cure for tinnitus, bringing together patients, researchers and lawmakers to advance public understanding of the condition and fund related research.

Tinnitus is a sound sensation in the ear, head or brain that can range from a ringing noise to a high-pitched whining. As many as 50 million Americans have experienced tinnitus and as many 9 million are inflicted with debilitating tinnitus. Tinnitus can cause a wide range of distress and strongly correlates with anxiety, depression, insomnia and a decrease in cognitive functioning. The causes of tinnitus include noise exposure, aging, head and neck trauma, ototoxic medications and cardiovascular disease. There is still a lack of understanding of the mechanisms underlying tinnitus.

As chair of the association's Scientific Advisory Committee, Dr. Zhang will guide staff on the administration of grants, serve as a liaison between the research committee and the ATA staff and board of directors, identify potential new members for the committee and represent the association publicly.