Background:
People with hearing, balance, and taste, smell, voice, speech, language, and other Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) disorders may seek treatment at the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). Some of these people may benefit from enrolling in the NIDCD intramural research program to receive their care. Enrolling will also allow investigators to collect participants clinical data and specimens for future research.
Objective:
This natural history study has 2 goals: (1) to collect data and specimens that may be used for research; and (2) to evaluate participants who may be candidates for other research studies.
Eligibility:
People aged 2 years or older with a hearing, balance, and communication disorder. Those at risk or who are suspected of having such a disorder are also eligible.
Design:
Participants will be screened. Their medical records will be reviewed.
Participants will agree to have their medical data used for research. Specimens such as blood or other tissue samples may also be used for research. All data and specimens will be collected during their routine care visits.
All tests done will be the normal care for each participant s condition. No tests will be done solely for research.
Some of these tests may require blood or tissue samples. Some may use special tools to test hearing and balance. Some may test heart or lung function. These tests may also include different types of imaging scans.
All tests will be explained. Participants may ask questions at any time.
Participants may remain in this study for up to 2 years. If they need further care, they may sign a new consent.
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Patients must be age 2 years or older if procedures or treatment are required.
Patients at risk, suspected of having, have a history of, or currently have a diagnosed hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, language, and other ENT disorder.
An NIDCD clinical investigator and PI determines it is in the interest of the patient/individual and NIDCD CRP for the subject to undergo consult, treatment or follow-up at the NIDCD/NIH
Patient or their Legally Authorized Representative is able to provide informed consent. The consent form will be signed by parents or guardians of patients under the age of 18.
Candidates who do not meet the inclusion criteria.
Candidates who in the opinion of the PI and clinical team have medical or unstable conditions for which NIDCD and CC consultative services are unable to provide or support optimal care
Active oral sores, open cuts, or significant oral pain
Recent oral surgery or dental procedures within the past 7 days