National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) is a part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is itself a component of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The NIDCD is dedicated to the research and dissemination of information concerning the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language disorders. It supports and conducts biomedical and behavioral research and training and the dissemination of health information in these areas.

Mission and Vision

The mission of the NIDCD is to improve the lives of millions of people with communication disorders by supporting research in the normal and disordered processes of hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language. It aims to do this through the support of basic, clinical, and translational research; the training of researchers; and the dissemination of health information to the public.

History

The NIDCD was established in 1988, following the advocacy from professionals, consumers, and legislators who recognized the need for a federal agency to support research in the fields of auditory, balance, and other communication disorders. Since its inception, the NIDCD has been at the forefront of scientific discovery in its mission areas, contributing to significant advancements in our understanding and treatment of various communication disorders.

Research Areas

The NIDCD focuses on a wide range of research areas related to communication disorders, including but not limited to:

• Hearing: Research on hearing loss, auditory processing disorders, and the development of devices to assist those with hearing loss.
• Balance: Studies on the vestibular system and related disorders.
• Taste and Smell: Research aimed at understanding these senses and related disorders.
• Voice, Speech, and Language: Investigations into the mechanisms of voice production, speech, and language processing and disorders affecting these areas.

Funding and Grants

The NIDCD provides funding for research through grants, contracts, and cooperative agreements. It supports research conducted in its own laboratories and by scientists in universities, hospitals, and other research institutions across the country. The institute also offers training and career development opportunities for researchers at various stages of their careers.

Public Health Education

An important part of the NIDCD's mission is to disseminate health information based on scientific discovery to the public. It provides resources on its website for individuals affected by communication disorders, healthcare providers, and researchers. These resources include information on diseases and conditions, tips for prevention and health maintenance, and updates on current research and clinical trials.

See Also

• Audiology
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Otolaryngology