Academy Calls for FY 2027 Investments in Hearing Health

As Congress develops the fiscal year (FY) 2027 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations bill, the Academy is urging targeted investments to strengthen hearing health across the lifespan—from newborn screening to advanced research.

The Academy has submitted appropriations requests for two key programs: a $20 million increase for the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) and a $5 million increase for the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention Program (EHDI) within the Health Resources and Services Administration.

Advancing Innovation Through NIDCD

NIDCD research has driven breakthroughs in early detection, cochlear implants, hearing aids, and speech and language therapies. However, funding remained essentially flat in FY 2026 at $534.3 million, limiting progress.

The Academy’s requested $20 million increase for FY 2027 would accelerate research in priority areas such as inner ear regeneration, central auditory processing, improved hearing technologies, and translational science to bring new treatments to patients faster.

Strengthening Early Detection Through EHDI

The Academy also supports a $5 million increase for EHDI, a cornerstone public health program that ensures early identification and intervention for infants with hearing loss.

Additional funding would expand access to care, improve follow-up and intervention—especially in underserved communities—and reduce long-term educational and societal costs.

A Smart Investment in Public Health

Together, these investments support both innovation and early intervention—improving outcomes while reducing long-term costs.

The Academy urges Congress to include these increases in the FY 2027 appropriations bill to advance medical innovation and ensure individuals with hearing and communication disorders receive the care they need at every stage of life.