# Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders (93.173)

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/programs/93-173-research-related-to-deafness-and-communication-disorders/  
Publisher: Well Told Grants. Data: USAspending.gov and Grants.gov, updated November 7, 2026.

Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders is run by Department of Health and Human Services. From fiscal 2021 to 2025 it awarded $2.1 billion in 2,231 grants, about $925,005 per award.

## Objectives

To investigate solutions to problems directly relevant to individuals with deafness or disorders of human communication in the areas of hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, and language. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) supports research and research training, including investigation into the etiology, pathology, detection, treatment, and prevention of disorders of hearing and other communication processes, primarily through the support of basic and applied research in anatomy, audiology, biochemistry, bioengineering, epidemiology, genetics, immunology, microbiology, molecular biology, the neurosciences, otolaryngology, psychology, pharmacology, physiology, psychophysics, speech-language pathology, and other scientific disciplines. The NIDCD supports: (1) Research into the evaluation of techniques and devices used in diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and prevention of disorders of hearing and other communication processes; (2) research into prevention and early detection and diagnosis of hearing loss and speech, voice, and language disorders and research into preventing the effects of such disorders by means of appropriate referral and rehabilitation; (3) research into the detection, treatment, and prevention of disorders of hearing and other communication processes in the elderly population and its rehabilitation to ensure continued effective communication skills; and (4) research to expand knowledge of the effects of environmental agents that influence hearing or other communication processes.

## Funding by fiscal year

| Year | Amount | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $401 million | 1,112 |
| 2022 | $410 million | 1,124 |
| 2023 | $421 million | 1,115 |
| 2024 | $416 million | 1,107 |
| 2025 | $416 million | 1,039 |

## Largest recipients

| Recipient | State | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| The Johns Hopkins University | Maryland | $82.4 million |
| Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary | Massachusetts | $78.9 million |
| The University of Iowa | Iowa | $53.4 million |
| The Leland Stanford Junior University | California | $46.2 million |
| University of Wisconsin System | Wisconsin | $45.0 million |
| Oregon Health & Science University | Oregon | $42.6 million |
| Trustees of Boston University | Massachusetts | $42.0 million |
| University of Pittsburgh - of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education | Pennsylvania | $40.9 million |
| Regents of the University of Michigan | Michigan | $40.3 million |
| Vanderbilt University Medical Center | Tennessee | $38.3 million |
| The Regents of the University of California, San Francisco | California | $36.3 million |
| University of Southern California | California | $34.7 million |
| New York University | New York | $34.3 million |
| University of Rochester | New York | $33.7 million |
| The Regents of the University of Colorado | Colorado | $32.1 million |
| The General Hospital Corporation | Massachusetts | $31.7 million |
| Yale Univ | Connecticut | $30.9 million |
| University of California, San Diego | California | $29.4 million |
| The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania | $29.3 million |
| Northwestern University | Illinois | $28.7 million |

## Open opportunities

- [Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) Small Research Grant (R03 Clinical Trial Optional)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-25-370-ethical-legal-and-social-implications-elsi-small-research/), closes November 16, 2026
- [Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-25-369-ethical-legal-and-social-implications-elsi-exploratory/), closes November 18, 2026
- [Ethical, Legal and Social Implications (ELSI) Research (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-25-371-ethical-legal-and-social-implications-elsi-research-r01/), closes November 18, 2026
- [Emerging Global Leader Award (K43 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-24-296-emerging-global-leader-award-k43-independent-clinical-trial/), closes December 3, 2026
- [Emerging Global Leader Award (K43 Independent Clinical Trial Required)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-24-295-emerging-global-leader-award-k43-independent-clinical-trial/), closes December 3, 2026
- [Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) for Undergraduate-Focused Institutions (R15 Clinical Trial Required)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-24-214-academic-research-enhancement-award-area-for-undergraduate/), closes January 7, 2027
- [Intervention Research to Improve Native American Health (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-25-379-intervention-research-to-improve-native-american-health-r01/), closes January 7, 2027
- [BRAIN Initiative: Preclinical Proof of Concept for Novel Recording and Modulation Technologies in the Human CNS (R18 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/rfa-ns-24-031-brain-initiative-preclinical-proof-of-concept-for-novel/), closes January 28, 2027
- [BRAIN Initiative: Development and Validation of Novel Tools to Probe Cell-Specific and Circuit-Specific Processes in the Brain (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/rfa-mh-26-170-brain-initiative-development-and-validation-of-novel-tools/), closes February 8, 2027
- [BRAIN Initiative: Exploratory Research Opportunities Using Invasive Neural Recording and Stimulating Technologies in the Human Brain (R61 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/rfa-dc-27-004-brain-initiative-exploratory-research-opportunities-using/), closes February 11, 2027
- [NLM Institutional Grants for Research Training in Biomedical Informatics, Data Science, and AI (T15 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/rfa-lm-28-001-nlm-institutional-grants-for-research-training-in-biomedical/), closes February 11, 2027
- [Coordinating Center for National Resource Network for the Study of Human Auditory and Vestibular Disorders (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/rfa-dc-28-002-coordinating-center-for-national-resource-network-for-the/), closes March 5, 2027
- [NIH, CDC and FDA Small Business Innovation Research Grant (Parent SBIR [R43/R44] Clinical Trial Optional)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-27-100-nih-cdc-and-fda-small-business-innovation-research/), closes April 5, 2027
- [NIH Small Business Technology Transfer Grant (Parent STTR [R41/R42] Clinical Trial Optional)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-27-102-nih-small-business-technology-transfer-grant-parent-sttr/), closes April 5, 2027
- [Short Courses on Innovative Methodologies and Approaches in the Behavioral and Social Sciences (R25 Clinical Trials Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/rfa-od-25-003-short-courses-on-innovative-methodologies-and-approaches-in/), closes April 9, 2027
- [NIDCD Research Career Enhancement Award for Established Investigators (K18 Clinical Trial Required)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-24-140-nidcd-research-career-enhancement-award-for-established/), closes May 7, 2027
- [NIDCD Research Career Enhancement Award for Established Investigators (K18 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-24-143-nidcd-research-career-enhancement-award-for-established/), closes May 7, 2027
- [NIDCD Mentored Career Development Award for Postdoctorate Au.D./Ph.D. Audiologists (K01 Clinical Trial Required)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-24-149-nidcd-mentored-career-development-award-for-postdoctorate-au/), closes May 7, 2027
- [NIDCD Mentored Career Development Award for Postdoctorate Au.D./Ph.D. Audiologists (K01 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-24-159-nidcd-mentored-career-development-award-for-postdoctorate-au/), closes May 7, 2027
- [Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (Parent K23 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-24-185-mentored-patient-oriented-research-career-development-award/), closes May 7, 2027
- [Mentored Quantitative Research Development Award (Parent K25 Independent Clinical Trial Required)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-24-190-mentored-quantitative-research-development-award-parent-k25/), closes May 7, 2027
- [Mentored Quantitative Research Development Award (Parent K25 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-24-191-mentored-quantitative-research-development-award-parent-k25/), closes May 7, 2027
- [Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (Parent K01 - Independent Clinical Trial Required)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-24-175-mentored-research-scientist-development-award-parent-k01/), closes May 7, 2027
- [Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (Parent K01 - Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-24-176-mentored-research-scientist-development-award-parent-k01/), closes May 7, 2027
- [NIH Pathway to Independence Award (Parent K99/R00 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-24-194-nih-pathway-to-independence-award-parent-k99-r00/), closes May 7, 2027
- [NIH Pathway to Independence Award (Parent K99/R00 Independent Clinical Trial Required)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-24-193-nih-pathway-to-independence-award-parent-k99-r00/), closes May 7, 2027
- [Midcareer Investigator Award in Patient-Oriented Research (Parent K24 Independent Clinical Trial Required)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-24-187-midcareer-investigator-award-in-patient-oriented-research/), closes May 7, 2027
- [Midcareer Investigator Award in Patient-Oriented Research (Parent K24 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-24-188-midcareer-investigator-award-in-patient-oriented-research/), closes May 7, 2027
- [Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (Parent K23 Independent Clinical Trial Required)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-24-184-mentored-patient-oriented-research-career-development-award/), closes May 8, 2027
- [Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (Parent K08 Independent Clinical Trial Required)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-24-181-mentored-clinical-scientist-research-career-development/), closes May 8, 2027
- [Mentored Clinical Scientist Research Career Development Award (Parent K08 Independent Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-24-182-mentored-clinical-scientist-research-career-development/), closes May 8, 2027
- [BRAIN Initiative: Reagent Resources for Brain Cell Type-Specific Access to Broaden Distribution of Enabling Technologies for Neuroscience (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/rfa-mh-26-120-brain-initiative-reagent-resources-for-brain-cell-type/), closes June 15, 2027
- [BRAIN Initiative: Brain Behavior Quantification and Synchronization- Next Generation Sensor Technology Development (U01 Clinical Trial Optional)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/rfa-mh-26-140-brain-initiative-brain-behavior-quantification-and/), closes June 15, 2027
- [Early-Stage Dissemination and Implementation Research in Communication Disorders (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/rfa-dc-26-001-early-stage-dissemination-and-implementation-research-in/), closes June 17, 2027
- [Change of Recipient Organization (Type 7 Parent Clinical Trial Optional)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-24-254-change-of-recipient-organization-type-7-parent-clinical/), closes July 12, 2027
- [Successor-in-Interest (Type 6 Parent Clinical Trial Optional)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-24-253-successor-in-interest-type-6-parent-clinical-trial/), closes July 17, 2027
- [Advancement and Innovation in Measurement of Language Development and Predictors (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-25-112-advancement-and-innovation-in-measurement-of-language/), closes September 7, 2027
- [Advancement and Innovation in Measurement of Language Development and Predictors (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-25-113-advancement-and-innovation-in-measurement-of-language/), closes September 7, 2027
- [Research Experiences and/or Mentoring Networks through Research Education to Enhance Clinician-Scientists' Participation in NIDCDs Research (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-25-020-research-experiences-and-or-mentoring-networks-through/), closes September 29, 2027
- [BRAIN Initiative Connectivity across Scales (BRAIN CONNECTS): Specialized Projects for Scalable Technologies (U01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/rfa-ns-27-015-brain-initiative-connectivity-across-scales-brain-connects/), closes October 4, 2027
- [NIDCD Research Grants for Translating Basic Research into Clinical Practice (R01 Clinical Trial Optional)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/rfa-dc-25-002-nidcd-research-grants-for-translating-basic-research-into/), closes October 12, 2027
- [NIDCD Early Career Research(ECR) Award (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-25-120-nidcd-early-career-research-ecr-award-r21-clinical/), closes October 15, 2027
- [NIDCD Cooperative Agreement for Clinical Trials in Communication Disorders (U01 - Clinical Trial Required)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-25-343-nidcd-cooperative-agreement-for-clinical-trials-in/), closes October 18, 2027
- [Research Enhancement Award Program (REAP) for Health Professional Schools and Graduate Schools (R15 Clinical Trial Required)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-27-078-research-enhancement-award-program-reap-for-health/), closes October 25, 2027
- [National Resource Network for the Study of Human Auditory and Vestibular Disorders (U24 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/rfa-dc-28-001-national-resource-network-for-the-study-of-human/), closes November 1, 2027
- [BRAIN Initiative: Theories, Models and Methods for Analysis of Complex Data from the Brain (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/rfa-da-27-004-brain-initiative-theories-models-and-methods-for-analysis/), closes November 8, 2027
- [Pilot Projects Investigating Understudied Proteins Associated with Rare Diseases (R03 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-25-122-pilot-projects-investigating-understudied-proteins/), closes November 16, 2027
- [Dissemination and Implementation Research in Health (R21 Clinical Trial Optional)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-25-143-dissemination-and-implementation-research-in-health-r21/), closes January 7, 2028
- [Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) for Undergraduate-Focused Institutions (R15 Clinical Trial Required)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-25-148-academic-research-enhancement-award-area-for-undergraduate/), closes January 7, 2028
- [Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) for Undergraduate-Focused Institutions (R15 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-25-134-academic-research-enhancement-award-area-for-undergraduate/), closes January 7, 2028
- [Research Enhancement Award Program (REAP) for Health Professional Schools and Graduate Schools (R15 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-25-298-research-enhancement-award-program-reap-for-health/), closes January 7, 2028
- [NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Project Grant (Parent R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-25-304-nih-exploratory-developmental-research-project-grant-parent/), closes January 7, 2028
- [NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Project Grant (Parent R21 Clinical Trial Required)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-25-306-nih-exploratory-developmental-research-project-grant-parent/), closes January 7, 2028
- [NIH Research Project Grant (Parent R01 Clinical Trial Required)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-25-305-nih-research-project-grant-parent-r01-clinical-trial/), closes January 7, 2028
- [NIDCD Research Dissertation Fellowship for Au.D. Audiologists (F32)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-25-250-nidcd-research-dissertation-fellowship-for-au-d-audiologists/), closes January 7, 2028
- [Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Institutional Research Training Grant (Parent T32)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-25-168-ruth-l-kirschstein-national-research-service-award-nrsa/), closes May 4, 2028
- [Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Short-Term Institutional Research Training Grant (Parent T35)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-25-280-ruth-l-kirschstein-national-research-service-award-nrsa/), closes May 7, 2028
- [Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Postdoctoral Fellowship (Parent F32)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-25-423-ruth-l-kirschstein-national-research-service-award-nrsa/), closes May 7, 2028
- [Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Fellowship for Students at Institutions Without NIH-Funded Institutional Predoctoral Dual-Degree Training Programs (Parent F30)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-25-425-ruth-l-kirschstein-national-research-service-award-nrsa/), closes May 7, 2028
- [Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Fellowship for Students at Institutions with NIH-Funded Institutional Predoctoral Dual-Degree Training Programs (Parent F30)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-25-426-ruth-l-kirschstein-national-research-service-award-nrsa/), closes May 7, 2028
- [Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (NRSA) Individual Predoctoral Fellowship (Parent F31)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-25-422-ruth-l-kirschstein-national-research-service-award-nrsa/), closes May 7, 2028
- [INCLUDE Project: Exploratory/Developmental Research Awards for Down syndrome (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/rfa-od-27-003-include-project-exploratory-developmental-research-awards/), closes June 15, 2028
- [INCLUDE Project: Transformative Research Awards for Down syndrome (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/rfa-od-27-004-include-project-transformative-research-awards-for-down/), closes June 15, 2028
- [INCLUDE Project: Clinical Trials Phased Awards for Down syndrome Research (R61/R33 Clinical Trial Required)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/rfa-od-27-005-include-project-clinical-trials-phased-awards-for-down/), closes June 15, 2028
- [BRAIN Initiative: Integrative Team-Research BRAIN Circuits Program - iBCP (RM1 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/rfa-ns-27-002-brain-initiative-integrative-team-research-brain-circuits/), closes June 23, 2028
- [Lasker Clinical Research Scholar's Program (Si2/R00 Clinical Trial Optional)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-27-076-lasker-clinical-research-scholar-s-program-si2-r00/), closes July 7, 2028
- [Transformative Non-Invasive/Minimally Invasive Technologies for Imaging the Olfactory System Across Scales (R01 CT Optional)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/rfa-dc-27-003-transformative-non-invasive-minimally-invasive-technologies/), closes August 21, 2028
- [Stephen I. Katz Early Stage Investigator Research Project Grant (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-25-322-stephen-i-katz-early-stage-investigator-research-project/), closes August 25, 2028
- [Support for Research Excellence (SuRE) Award (R16 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-25-414-support-for-research-excellence-sure-award-r16-clinical/), closes September 7, 2028
- [Support for Research Excellence First Independent Research (SuRE-First) Award (R16 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-25-415-support-for-research-excellence-first-independent-research/), closes September 7, 2028
- [Administrative Supplements to Existing NIH Grants and Cooperative Agreements (Parent Admin Supp Clinical Trial Optional)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-26-001-administrative-supplements-to-existing-nih-grants-and/), closes November 30, 2028
- [Limited Competition: Instrumentation Grant Program for Resource-Limited Institutions (S10 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-27-067-limited-competition-instrumentation-grant-program-for/), closes January 26, 2029
- [BRAIN Initiative: Research Opportunities Using Invasive Neural Recording and Stimulating Technologies in the Human Brain (R01 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/rfa-ns-28-010-brain-initiative-research-opportunities-using-invasive/), closes February 8, 2029
- [SBIR/STTR Commercialization Readiness Pilot (CRP) Program (Parent SB1 Clinical Trial Optional)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-27-098-sbir-sttr-commercialization-readiness-pilot-crp-program/), closes April 5, 2029
- [Predoctoral to Postdoctoral Transition Award (Parent F99/K00 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-27-037-predoctoral-to-postdoctoral-transition-award-parent-f99-k00/), closes April 8, 2029
- [NIH Research Education Program - Research Experiences (Parent R25 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-27-036-nih-research-education-program-research-experiences-parent/), closes May 5, 2029
- [NIH Research Educational Program - Mentoring Activities & Networks (Parent R25/UE5 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-27-035-nih-research-educational-program-mentoring-activities/), closes May 5, 2029
- [NIH Collaborative International Research Project (Parent PF5 Clinical Trial Optional)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-26-002-nih-collaborative-international-research-project-parent-pf5/), closes May 7, 2029
- [NIH Research Education Program - Courses, Curriculum & Methods (Parent R25 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/pa-27-034-nih-research-education-program-courses-curriculum-methods/), closes May 25, 2029
- [Collaborative Program Grant for Interdisciplinary Teams (RM1 Clinical Trial Optional)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-27-003-collaborative-program-grant-for-interdisciplinary-teams-rm1/), closes September 26, 2029
- [Small Business Transition Grant for New Entrepreneurs (Parent R43/R44 Clinical Trial Optional)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-27-039-small-business-transition-grant-for-new-entrepreneurs-parent/), closes not stated
- [Small Business Transition Grant for New Entrepreneurs (Parent R41/R42 Clinical Trial Optional)](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-27-040-small-business-transition-grant-for-new-entrepreneurs-parent/), closes not stated
- [Advancing Screening, Diagnosis, and Referral for Late Talking Children](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/rfa-dc-28-007-advancing-screening-diagnosis-and-referral-for-late-talking/), closes not stated
- [NIDCD Research Fellowship for Audiologists](https://welltoldgrants.com/grants/par-28-013-nidcd-research-fellowship-for-audiologists/), closes not stated