Research | NIDCD

The NIDCD supports and conducts approximately 1,300 research grants, training awards, and contracts in seven mission areas: hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, and language. These programs take place within the research laboratories and clinic at the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland (intramural research), or in public and private institutions and organizations across the country and around the world (extramural research). 

Both intramural and extramural research and training programs include the full spectrum of scientific activities including basic, clinical, and translational research. These studies answer fundamental scientific questions to prevent, screen, diagnose, and treat disorders of human communication. 

Research News

Selected outcomes of research supported or conducted by the NIDCD.

• Brain-to-voice neuroprosthesis restores naturalistic speech
• Ability to regulate behavior assists in language development among children, new study shows
• Exploring why it is harder to hear in noisy environments
• Mass General Brigham researchers develop and study an at-home smell test for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease
• Ibuprofen inhibits human sweet taste and glucose detection by taste cells

Extramural Research

Our extramural research program funds research and training opportunities at universities, medical centers, and other institutions throughout the United States and abroad, through research grants, career development awards, and other mechanisms. 

Intramural Research

Our Division of Intramural Research conducts research and offers research training in laboratories and clinics on the NIH campus in Bethesda, Maryland. 

Global Health

The NIDCD aims to reduce the burden of hearing loss and communication disorders in the U.S. and around the globe.