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

August 15, 2025 | August 15, 2026

Up to $50,000 for one year; typically paid as a lump sum in January following the application deadline.

Supports early-stage, innovative research on hearing and balance disorders of the inner ear, including both basic and clinical studies.

Applicants must hold an MD, PhD, or AuD and be affiliated with a U.S. university or hospital.

--- ## Description The American Hearing Research Foundation (AHRF) Discovery Grants provide seed funding for novel research projects investigating the auditory and vestibular systems, focusing on hearing and balance disorders related to the inner ear. Both basic and clinical research are supported, including genetics, neurotology, anatomy, auditory processing, molecular and cellular biology, therapeutic studies, and device-related investigations. Special consideration is given to projects addressing Meniere’s disease or the causes/mechanisms of sudden hearing loss. The program is designed to help early-career investigators generate preliminary data to support future, larger-scale grant applications. --- ## Due Dates - August 15, 2025: Full application submission deadline (5:00 p.m. Central Time) - August 15, 2026: Next annual full application submission deadline (typically 5:00 p.m. Central Time) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: Up to $50,000 for a one-year project - Grants are paid in a single lump sum in January following the application deadline - Four to ten Discovery Grants are typically awarded each year - Funds may only be used for direct costs (salaries for technical/support staff, equipment, and supplies) - Salaries plus fringe benefits may not exceed 80% of direct costs - No funding for PI salary, co-PI salary, travel, conference attendance, educational costs, or indirect costs - Exceptional proposals may be invited for additional funding through discretionary grants (up to $65,000–$75,000), but this is rare and by invitation only --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must hold an MD, PhD, AuD, or equivalent degree - Must be affiliated with a university or hospital in the United States - Applicants are not required to be U.S. citizens, but must be based at a U.S. institution - Research must focus on hearing or balance disorders of the inner ear - Both new and renewal applications are accepted; renewals compete alongside new proposals --- ## Application Process 1. **Confirm eligibility** (degree and institutional affiliation) 2. **Prepare application** following the AHRF Discovery Grant checklist: - Title page with project and investigator details - Project summary and lay summary - Detailed one-year budget (direct costs only) - Biographical sketches (max 3 pages each; NIH format accepted) - Main body: Specific aims (1 page), background/significance/methods (up to 5 pages), and for renewals, up to 2 pages on progress - If applicable, a letter of support (1 page) - List of current and pending support 3. **Save application as PDF** (≤5 MB; see guidelines if larger) 4. **Submit online** via the [AHRF application portal](https://www.american-hearing.org/grant-application/) 5. **If research involves human or animal subjects**, IRB or ACUC approval must be applied for by March 31 of the grant year if funded **Review Process:** - Proposals are reviewed for novelty, significance, mission relevance, feasibility, investigator background, approach, statistical methods, and budget justification - Special consideration for Meniere’s disease and sudden hearing loss topics - Review by AHRF Research Committee (October) and Board (November); notifications sent in late November - No reviewer comments are provided **Reporting:** - Progress report due by end of April during the funded year - Final report due by end of January after the funded year - No-cost extensions may be granted with approval --- ## Additional Information - Grant period: January 1 – December 31 of the year following the application deadline - Overlapping funds must be returned to AHRF - PI salary, co-PI salary, travel, conference, educational, and indirect costs are not allowed - No-cost extensions and renewals are possible with proper justification and approval --- ## External Links - [AHRF Discovery Grants Program Page](https://www.american-hearing.org/grant/ahrf-regular-grants) - [Grants We Offer & Application](https://www.american-hearing.org/research-grants/grants-we-offer-2/) - [Application Portal](https://www.american-hearing.org/grant-application/) - [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 | |------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Email | [info@american-hearing.org](mailto:info@american-hearing.org) | | Phone | (773) 747-7280 | | Address | 400 Randolph St, Suite 3115, Chicago, IL 60601 | | Contact Webpage | [Contact AHRF](https://www.american-hearing.org/contact/) | ---

AHRF Discovery Grants

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