This monograph presents an update to the strategic plan of the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), focusing on recent accomplishments, program goals, strategies, and priorities in research opportunities in the areas of hearing/hearing impairment and voice/voice disorders. Specifically considered for the hearing area are research needs in transduction and homeostasis, sound processing in the brain, auditory perception, and aging and regeneration of sensory cells. For hearing impairment, research plans are outlined in the areas of hereditary hearing impairment; acquired sensorineural hearing loss; otitis media, otosclerosis, and other middle-ear disorders; and assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. For voice and voice disorders, research is suggested on: (1) normal structure and function (including laryngeal physiology, lifespan changes, exceptional behavior, and anatomy and physiology of swallowing); and (2) diagnosis and treatment of voice disorders (vocal fold neoplasms, vocal fold lesions and glottal insufficiencies, neurogenic disorders, gastroesophageal reflux, and technology). An executive summary is provided. Appended is the text of Public Law 100-553 which established the Institute. (DB)