Millions of people suffer from tinnitus. Guided by the conviction that tinnitus and hearing disorders must be treated as effectively as possible — and that at the same time each individual can do a great deal to protect themselves — the German Foundation Tinnitus and Hearing Charité (known as the German Foundation Tinnitus Charité until 2019) was established in 2011.

The Foundation Tinnitus & Hearing Charité pursues the following aims:

• promoting research
• international networking and scientific communication
• prevention and public education

Through our research projects, we deepen the understanding of how tinnitus and other hearing impairments develop, gain insights into their links with associated conditions, examine the medical evidence behind existing treatment methods, and support the development of new therapeutic approaches. Since 2019, we have honoured outstanding work by young researchers with the Tinnitus & Hearing Research Prize.

Scientific events such as our congresses and symposia enable tinnitus experts to exchange the latest findings in research and treatment. The Foundation, in turn, makes the results of the presented clinical studies accessible to the public, thereby contributing to greater awareness and education.

The European Tinnitus Network (EUTINNET) was established in 2019 under the Foundation’s umbrella to strengthen the connections between self-help organisations across Europe and to build bridges between science and practice.

With our awareness campaign “I hear something you don’t” and many other prevention projects, we aim to raise public awareness of hearing health. We want to inform children and young people, working adults, and older people alike about how tinnitus and permanent hearing disorders develop, so they can protect themselves in good time.

Our statutes
On 4 August 2011, the Foundation Tinnitus and Hearing Charité — then named the German Foundation Tinnitus Charité — was recognised as a charitable foundation under civil law by the Senate Department for Justice of the State of Berlin (ref. no. 3416/992/2). Its charitable status has since been continuously confirmed by the Berlin Tax Office for Corporations I.

The current statutes of the Foundation Tinnitus and Hearing Charité can be downloaded here.