Summary
AHRF is nearly doubling its 2026 grant funding, awarding over $850,000 to advance hearing and balance research.
The increase responds to a record number of high-quality proposals from researchers nationwide. Funding will be distributed through the AHRF Discovery and Muench Chairman’s Grants, supporting innovative, high-impact projects.
Chicago, Illinois –October 13, 2025 – The American Hearing Research Foundation (AHRF), a leading national nonprofit dedicated to funding innovative research in hearing and balance disorders, today announced a significant, one-time increase in its annual grant funding for the current review cycle. This landmark decision was made in direct response to an unprecedented number of high-quality applications received this year, and the AHRF now anticipates awarding over $850,000 in grants—nearly double the previous amount—with funds scheduled for distribution in January 2026.
This substantial increase in funding underscores the urgent need for accelerated research in this field. With over 48 million Americans experiencing some degree of hearing loss, and millions more affected by balance disorders, the demand for novel treatments and cures is at an all-time high. AHRF’s enhanced financial support will enable researchers to pursue ambitious projects, gather critical preliminary data, and contribute significantly to the field of hearing research.
AHRF Leadership Comments:
“As part of AHRF’s annual grant request review process, we have observed that the number of grant requests this year is almost double the number we typically receive. Additionally, we have noticed that the quality of the research projects being proposed has significantly improved. Given these factors, I am proud to announce that AHRF has decided to make an immediate increase to our budgeted research grant funds by nearly doubling our investment for this cycle,” added Mark Muench, AHRF Board Chair. “This historic decision is a powerful testament to our donors and to our board, who acted quickly to approve this increase. These research projects can and will directly accelerate life-changing breakthroughs for millions of people affected by hearing and balance disorders.”
“This is a truly transformative moment for AHRF and for the entire hearing and balance research community, especially in light of the current uncertainties in research funding. By doubling the size of our grant funding, AHRF is able to supercharge our mission and directly contribute to lessening the potential research shortage. It’s a direct investment in the future of hearing healthcare, empowering some of the brightest minds in science to push the boundaries of what is possible. AHRF is committed to making a tangible difference in the lives of millions of people.” — Donna Whitlon, Research Professor, Department of Otolaryngology, Feinberg School of Medicine
The increased funding will be distributed through AHRF’s established grant program which includes the AHRF Discovery Grant and the Muench Chairman’s Grant, both providing critical funding for promising research projects. The foundation’s rigorous and peer-reviewed grant process is now underway to prioritize the novel and high-impact projects from this record-breaking pool of applications. This unique opportunity is a direct call to action for the scientific community to tackle some of the most persistent and challenging questions in auditory and vestibular science.
About AHRF
The American Hearing Research Foundation is a nonprofit organization that has been making new discoveries possible for 68 years by funding novel research to better understand and overcome hearing and balance disorders. In the last 10 years, the organization has funded 88 projects with over $2.6 million in research grants.
For more information on AHRF, visit www.American-Hearing.org. Donations for research funding can be made online.
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