[American Hearing Research Foundation](https://www.american-hearing.org)

August 15, 2025 (5:00 p.m. Central Time)

Up to $50,000 per award for one year; typically 4–10 grants funded annually

Seed funding for early-stage research on hearing and balance disorders of the inner ear, prioritizing innovative and impactful projects.

Special consideration for studies on Meniere’s disease and sudden hearing loss mechanisms.

--- ## Description The American Hearing Research Foundation (AHRF) Discovery Grants program provides seed funding for early-stage research projects that address hearing and balance disorders related to the inner ear. The program supports both basic and clinical research, including studies in genetics, neurotology, anatomy, auditory processing, molecular and cellular biology, therapeutic interventions, and device investigations such as cochlear implants. The primary aim is to advance understanding and treatment of auditory and vestibular conditions, with a particular focus on supporting novel, promising research—especially from early-career investigators. Projects that explore the mechanisms, causes, or treatments of Meniere’s disease or the causes of sudden hearing loss receive special consideration. The grants are intended to generate preliminary data that can be leveraged for larger future funding opportunities. --- ## Due Dates - Application deadline: **August 15, 2025 (5:00 p.m. Central Time)** - Notification of award: Late November 2025 - Grant period: January 1 – December 31, 2026 --- ## Funding Amount - Applicants may request **up to $50,000** for a one-year project. - Typically, 4–10 Discovery Grants are awarded annually. - Funds are provided in a lump sum at the start of the grant year. - Grant funds may only be used for direct costs (e.g., support staff salaries, equipment, supplies). Salaries plus fringe benefits may not exceed 80% of total direct costs. - Principal investigator salary, travel, conference attendance, educational costs, and indirect costs are **not** allowed. - In exceptional cases, top-scoring projects may be invited to apply for additional discretionary funding (Birtman Grant up to $75,000; Richard G. Muench Chairman’s Grant up to $65,000). --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must hold an **MD, PhD, AuD, or equivalent degree(s)**. - Must be associated with a **university or hospital in the United States**. - U.S. citizenship is **not** required, but the applicant’s institution must be U.S.-based. - Medical students are not eligible unless they hold a PhD or AuD. - See the [FAQ](https://www.american-hearing.org/frequently-asked-questions-for-grant-applications/) for detailed eligibility scenarios. --- ## Application Process - **Confirm eligibility and topic fit**: Projects must relate to hearing or balance disorders of the inner ear. - **Prepare application materials** following the checklist: - Title page (project and investigator details) - Project description (one-page summary, lay summary) - Detailed one-year budget (direct costs only, no PI salary or indirect costs) - Biographical sketches (max 3 pages per PI/co-PI; NIH format accepted) - List of current, pending, and requested funding (identify overlaps) - One-page letter of support (optional) - Main body (specific aims, up to five pages for background, significance, methods) - For renewal applications: up to two additional pages on progress - **IRB/ACUC**: If using human or animal subjects, show application for IRB/ACUC approval by March 31 of the grant year. - **Format**: At least 1/2” margins, minimum 11-point font, max six lines per vertical inch. - **Submission**: Save proposal as PDF (“Lastname_Firstname”). Submit via the [online portal](https://www.american-hearing.org/grant-application/). If over 5 MB, email to info@american-hearing.org. - **Review**: Proposals are evaluated for novelty, significance, relevance, feasibility, investigator qualifications, approach, statistical analysis, and budget justification. Special consideration is given to Meniere’s disease and sudden hearing loss topics. --- ## Additional Information - Progress reports are required by the end of April during the grant year. - Final reports are due by the end of January after the funded year. - No-cost extensions may be granted upon approval. - Overlapping funding must be reported and returned to AHRF. - Comments on applications are not provided. --- ## External Links - [AHRF Discovery Grants Overview](https://www.american-hearing.org/research-grants/grants-we-offer-2/#ahrf-regular-grants) - [Grant Application Portal](https://www.american-hearing.org/grant-application/) - [Application Guidelines & Checklist (PDF)](https://www.american-hearing.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2026-Grant-Opportunities-AHRF-Flyer-1.pdf) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.american-hearing.org/frequently-asked-questions-for-grant-applications/) - [How AHRF Makes Grant Decisions](https://www.american-hearing.org/research-grants/grant-process/how-ahrf-makes-grant-decisions/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |------------------------|--------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | info@american-hearing.org | | Phone | (773) 747-7280 | | Mailing Address | 4055 W. Peterson Ave., Suite 105, Chicago, IL 60646-6183 | | Funder Website | [https://www.american-hearing.org](https://www.american-hearing.org) | | Grant Info Page | [AHRF Grants](https://www.american-hearing.org/research-grants/grants-we-offer-2/) | ---

AHRF Discovery Grants

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