PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
To investigate solutions to problems directly relevant to individuals with deafness or disorders of human communication, such as hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech, and language. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) supports research including investigation into the etiology, pathology, detection, treatment, and prevention of all forms 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, psychophysic speech and 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 disturbances and research into preventing the effects of such disorders on language and learning disabilities with extension of programs for appropriate referral and rehabilitation; (3) research into the detection, treatment, and prevention of disorders of hearing and other communicative 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. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program: To expand and improve the SBIR program; to increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from Federal research and development; to increase small business participation in Federal research and development; and to foster and encourage participation of socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns and women-owned small business concerns in technological innovation. Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program: To stimulate and foster scientific and technological innovation through cooperative research and development carried out between small business concerns and research institutions; to foster technology transfer between small business concerns and research institutions; to increase private sector commercialization of innovations derived from Federal research and development; and to foster and encourage participation of socially and economically disadvantaged small business concerns and women-owned small business concerns in technological innovation.

 ELIGIBLE FUNCTIONAL CATEGORIES:
1. HEALTH;
- Specialized Health Research and Training;

 WHO CAN BENEFIT FROM THIS PROGRAM:
- Health Professional;
- Education Professional;
- Student/Trainee;
- Graduate Student;
- Scientist/Researcher;

 WHO CAN APPLY:
- Public non-profit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals);
- Other public institution/organization;
- Specialized group (e.g. health professionals, students, veterans);
- Profit organization;
- Private non-profit institution/organization (includes institutions of higher education and hospitals);
- Other private institutions/organizations;