DRF Research Grant Background

The Deafness Research Foundation was founded in 1958 by Collette Ramsey Baker, who suffered for almost 40 years of hearing loss caused by otosclerosis and wanted to make a lifetime of hearing possible for all people through innovative, cutting-edge research. Since its inception, DRF has awarded nearly $24 million through more than 2,200 research grants to researchers who are dedicated to exploring new avenues of hearing and balance science. This seed money has led to dramatic innovations that increase options for those living with hearing loss, as well as protecting those at risk. With the potential for hearing content restoration through regeneration biology, the scope of DRF funded research has expanded enormously. DRF supports research in the following areas:

• Fundamental Auditory Research - development, genetics, molecular biology, physiology, anatomy, and regeneration biology;
  
• Hearing and Balance Restoration - infants, children and adults;
  
• cochlear implants / surgical therapy for otosclerosis / hair cell regeneration/ hearing aids, medical therapy;
  
• Hearing Loss - aging, noise-induced , otosclerosis, viral infection
  (sudden deafness), ototoxicity, temporal bone pathology, otitis media,
  cholesteatoma, and tumors;
  
• Vestibular and Balance Disorders (dizziness and vertigo, Meniere's disease); and
  
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and Hyperacusis (decreased tolerance of sound).

Whether you’re interested in conducting basic or applied clinical research, the DRF offers a variety of funding mechanisms to support a broad range of research ideas.