Holland audiologist receives $800K on behalf of national nonprofit battling tinnitus

Cassandra Lybrink, The Holland Sentinel
·2 min read

HOLLAND — A local doctor received over $800,000 to aid in the treatment and research of tinnitus on behalf of a national nonprofit in February.

Dr. Stelios Dokianakis, a resident of Saugatuck Township and doctor in Holland, received a check for $828,248 to benefit the American Tinnitus Association. Texas Roadhouse raised the funds during Tinnitus Awareness Week.

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Frequently referred to as ringing in the ears, tinnitus is the perception of sounds in the ears without an external source. The leading cause is exposure to loud sound that damages an individual's auditory system. Tinnitus is the most common service-connected disability for U.S. veterans.

Dr. Stelios Dokianakis, a resident of Saugatuck Township and doctor in Holland, received a check for $828,248 to benefit the American Tinnitus Association.
Dr. Stelios Dokianakis, a resident of Saugatuck Township and doctor in Holland, received a check for $828,248 to benefit the American Tinnitus Association.

Dokianakis serves on the board of directors of the American Tinnitus Association. The nonprofit aims to advance treatment, research, and education in the management of tinnitus.

Texas Roadhouse locations across the country hosted a "Dine to Donate" fundraiser Monday, Feb. 6.

“We were proud to raise money in honor of our late founder, Kent Taylor, who suffered from tinnitus before passing away,” said Jerry Morgan, CEO of Texas Roadhouse, in a statement.

“It was humbling to receive this donation, on behalf of the ATA," Dokianakis said. "The responsibility of putting these funds to good use weighs heavily on all of us at the ATA. This amazing gift will help increase staffing for our tinnitus help hotline and will also go toward innovative research grants to help find a cure."

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Dokianakis owns and practices at Holland Doctors of Audiology, a private practice. He also formed the area's Tinnitus Support Group and serves on the state's Board of Audiology.

Call 800-634-8978 for general guidance on tinnitus management and seeking care, or visit ATA.org.

— Contact editor Cassandra Lybrink at clybrink@hollandsentinel.com. Follow her on Twitter @CassLybrink.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Holland audiologist receives $800K on behalf of national nonprofit battling tinnitus