Research on Mild and/or Unilateral Hearing Loss (R21) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Research on Mild and/or Unilateral Hearing Loss (R21) (PA-07-037)

What is the name and funding opportunity number of this grant?

The opportunity is titled "Research on Mild and/or Unilateral Hearing Loss (R21)" and the Funding Opportunity Number is PA-07-037.

Which agency is offering this opportunity?

This is a National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding announcement.

What research problem is this FOA trying to address?

The FOA is focused on mild hearing loss and hearing loss affecting only one ear (unilateral) in infants and young children. It emphasizes that these forms of hearing loss are often underestimated in clinical and educational settings, even though they can have real developmental and learning impacts during early childhood.

Why does the FOA stress that "mild" does not necessarily mean "minor"?

The announcement highlights that even when hearing loss is considered "mild" (for example, around 40 dB hearing level in one or both ears), or when loss is present in only one ear at any severity, children may still experience meaningful challenges in speech and language development, behavior, academic performance, and other developmental outcomes.

What age group is the research intended to focus on?

The FOA is designed to stimulate research focused on infants and young children.

What funding mechanism does this opportunity use?

This FOA uses the NIH R21 mechanism, which is intended for exploratory or developmental research.

What kinds of projects are typically appropriate for an NIH R21 under this FOA?

Projects are generally expected to be early-stage, high-impact, exploratory, or developmental. Examples described in the FOA include testing new ideas, generating preliminary data, or piloting novel methods, rather than conducting large, long-term projects.

Does the FOA specify a fixed award size or project duration?

No. The FOA notes that award size and duration can vary because proposed studies may differ widely in scope and approach.

How is the number of awards determined?

The FOA indicates that the total number of awards and total dollars depend on factors such as the quality of applications received, proposed project lengths, and the budgets requested.

Is there a related or companion funding opportunity for more mature projects?

Yes. The FOA runs in parallel with a companion announcement of the same scientific scope using the NIH R01 mechanism (PA-07-038), which is generally intended for more mature, fully developed projects and was expected to be issued later.

What research areas does the FOA specifically encourage?

The FOA highlights three broad research themes: prevention, improved diagnostics, and better treatments related to mild and/or unilateral hearing loss in early childhood.

What does the FOA mean by prevention research in this context?

Prevention research may include studying risk factors for mild or unilateral hearing loss, identifying modifiable exposures, or developing strategies to reduce the likelihood of onset or progression.

What does the FOA mean by diagnostic research in this context?

Diagnostic research may include refining screening and assessment tools to help ensure mild or one-sided losses are detected earlier and characterized more accurately, especially since these cases can be missed, minimized, or treated as less urgent than more severe bilateral hearing loss.

What does the FOA mean by treatment research in this context?

Treatment research may include studying clinical and rehabilitative interventions. The FOA describes potential areas such as hearing technologies and fitting strategies, as well as behavioral, educational, or family-centered interventions that address downstream impacts on communication and learning.

What is the program classification or assistance listing information provided?

The opportunity is listed under CFDA 93.173 (Research Related to Deafness and Communication Disorders) and is also associated with CFDA 93.283 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Investigations and Technical Assistance).

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The listing states that cost sharing or matching is not required.

What type of grant program is this described as?

It is described as a discretionary grant program in the health area.

When was this opportunity posted, and what is its status?

The original posting date is November 8, 2006. The creation date listed is December 5, 2008. It remained open through multiple receipt dates and was archived on December 17, 2009.

Is this FOA still open for applications?

No. Based on the information provided, it was archived on December 17, 2009.

Were there multiple application receipt dates?

Yes. The listing notes it remained open through multiple receipt dates, and applicants were directed to follow the full announcement for the specific receipt dates and submission details.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes many organization types such as state, county, city or township governments; federally recognized tribal governments and other tribal organizations; special district governments; independent school districts; public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding higher education institutions in those nonprofit categories as stated); small businesses; and other for-profit organizations beyond small businesses.

Are foreign institutions eligible to apply?

Yes. The opportunity states that foreign institutions are eligible to apply.

Can federal agencies apply?

Yes. The opportunity indicates that eligible federal agencies may apply.

Are faith-based or community-based organizations allowed to apply?

Yes. The opportunity explicitly allows faith-based and community-based organizations.

Where should applicants look for the authoritative requirements and instructions?

The FOA directs applicants to the official NIH grants guide page for full requirements, application instructions, and any special review criteria: http://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PA-07-037.html

What should someone do if they have technical trouble accessing the FOA?

The contact listed for technical trouble accessing the announcement is the NIH Office of Extramural Research (OER) webmaster at FBOWebmaster@OD.NIH.GOV.