NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DEAFNESS AND OTHER COMMUNICATION DISORDERS (NIDCD) Comprehensive Strategic Plan and Budget to Reduce and Ultimately Eliminate Health Disparities
It is estimated that one of every six Americans, people of both genders and of all ages and races, experiences some form of communication disorder (e.g., hearing impairment, dizziness, balance problems, smell and taste disorders, and voice, speech or language disturbances). Such disorders often compromise social, emotional, educational and vocational aspects of an individual's life. The cost of these disorders in terms of quality of life and unfulfilled potential is substantial