This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) solicits R01 grant applications that propose independent research projects that are within the scientific mission areas of the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). This program is intended to support Early Stage and New Investigators from diverse backgrounds, including those from groups underrepresented in the health-related sciences. Investigators from diverse backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups (e.g., seeNOT-OD-20-031, Notice of NIHs Interest in Diversity), are eligible to apply. Investigators from categories A-C are particularly encouraged to work with their institutions to apply. Preliminary data are not required for this NOFO. All applications require a letter of affirmation from the applicant institution documenting the Investigators eligibility. Applications that do not include this letter will be administratively withdrawn.