Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Report - #2 November 11, 2010 Dr. Jack Vernon (1922-2010) Stephen M. Nagler, M.D. Vice President Director of Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Services General Hearing Instruments, Inc. Hello – My report today is very brief … and very sad. Jack Vernon died peacefully in his sleep early this morning at the age of 88. His wife Mary and other family members were at his side. I loved Jack like a father, but I was not unique in that regard. It was virtually impossible to know Jack Vernon and not love him. Jack was a true gentleman and a gentle man. He raised the bar, and then he stood ready, able, and willing to assist everybody over that bar so that we could all achieve new heights. Every life Jack touched was better off for it. Jack became interested in tinnitus research in the late 1960s. Dr. Charles Unice, a California physician who suffered from severe tinnitus, heard about Jack’s work and insisted on coming to Portland to see him. Jack explained that he didn’t treat patients – he was trying to develop an animal model for tinnitus in rhesus monkeys at the time – but Dr. Unice would not be deterred. As the two of them were strolling around downtown Portland, they happened to stop for a few minutes near Lovejoy Fountain. When it was time to leave to continue their walk, Dr. Unice just stood there transfixed. He would not move – because, as he explained, it was the first time that he was unable to hear the tinnitus that had been plaguing him for so long. And thus was born the modern era of tinnitus masking. A whole host of researchers and clinicians have followed in Jack Vernon’s footsteps, developing a variety of different models and treatment approaches. Yet it all started with Jack, and I feel very safe in saying that over the years nobody in the world has done more for the tinnitus and hyperacusis community than Jack Vernon. Some, like those who looked forward to speaking with Jack on the phone on Fridays seeking his wisdom and support, or like those who worked with him, or like those who co-authored books and articles with him, or like his family and close friends … will feel a special loss. But I can tell you this: November 11, 2010 will always be remembered as one fine day in heaven! As was Jack’s wish, there will be no funeral service. Should any of you desire to honor Jack’s memory in a manner that would have been meaningful to him, please allow me to suggest a donation to the Jack Vernon Tinnitus Research Fund. You can do that by going to ATA’s donation page at https://www.ata.org/involved/donate_secure.php, entering “Research Fund” as the “Type of Donation,” and under “Additional Information” indicating that the donation is in memory of Dr. Jack Vernon. With warm regards to all and a special prayer for Jack and his family – Stephen M. Nagler, M.D. 504-717-8701 (cell) snaglermd@generalhearing.com