Actively Recruiting
Collection of Clinical Data and Specimens for Research in Hearing, Balance, Taste, Smell, Voice, Speech, and Language Disorders
Led by National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) · Updated on 2026-04-28
600
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
330 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying people with hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, language, and other Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) disorders to collect clinical data and specimens for research. This observational study aims to build a repository of information to support future research and to evaluate participants for possible inclusion in other clinical studies. The study is conducted by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) and involves participants aged 2 years and older who have or may have these disorders. Participants will receive their usual care and treatment as determined by clinical investigators, with all tests performed being part of routine care. These may include blood or tissue sample collection, hearing and balance testing with special tools, heart and lung function tests, and imaging scans. No experimental treatments are given. Some participants with known or suspected PIEZO2-related sensory dysfunction may be invited to try optional remote taste and oral sensation tests using food-grade tannic acid solutions. During the study, participants will have their medical records reviewed and agree to let their clinical data and any collected specimens be used for research. They may remain enrolled for up to two years, with the option to continue if further care is needed. Researchers will track ongoing clinical data collection and evaluate participants for clinical study candidacy. All procedures and tests will be explained, and participants can ask questions at any time.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Collection of Clinical Data and Specimens for Research in Hearing, Balance, Taste, Smell, Voice, Speech, and Language Disorders.
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- 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.
- A subset of enrolled participants with known or suspected PIEZO2-related sensory dysfunction may be asked to participate in the remote taste and oral somatosensory testing procedures. Participation in this component is optional and not required for enrollment or continued participation in the parent protocol.
You will not qualify if you...
- 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.
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to tannins or polyphenols.
- Acute upper respiratory infection or conditions that may interfere with taste perception.
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
Duration - Ongoing throughout participation
Participants undergo clinical evaluations and data collection related to hearing, balance, taste, smell, voice, speech, language, and other ENT disorders.
Duration - Ongoing throughout participation
Participants provide clinical specimens and may undergo brief sensory testing using food-grade tannic acid solutions to characterize taste and oral sensations.
Duration - Up to several years
Participants are observed over time to collect clinical data and evaluate candidacy for other clinical studies.
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, United States, 20892
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Marcia L Mulquin, R.N.
J
Joshua M Levy, M.D.
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
1
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