Disorders that impair verbal and nonverbal communication are often associated with neural degeneration and plasticity. Communication disorders are directly or indirectly associated with the processes of hearing, language, and speech and/or the function of the central auditory processing system ranging from mild to profound severity.

We invite investigators to contribute original research articles as well as review articles that will stimulate the continuing efforts to understand the basic mechanisms underlying neural degeneration and plasticity in communication disorders, the development of new clinical evaluation tools, and new treatment strategies. We are particularly interested in articles describing the basic mechanisms and new clinical methods and technologies pertaining to neural degeneration and plasticity in communication disorders as well as new developing treatment strategies; advances in molecular diagnostics; new insights into neural degeneration and plasticity using animal models; and current concepts in the treatment of neural degeneration and the evaluation of neural plasticity.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Recent developments in basic mechanisms related to neural degeneration and/or plasticity in hearing, language, and speech disorders
• Recent developments in neural degeneration and plasticity research in hearing, language, and speech disorders
• Development of effective diagnostic tools and technologies in neural degeneration and/or plasticity in communication disorders
• Development of new intervention/therapy strategies in neural degeneration in communication disorders
• The new role of neural plasticity in the pathophysiology of communication disorders
• The influence of neural plasticity on the success of speech therapy, aural rehabilitation, and/or cochlear implants
• Identification of new biomarkers for neural plasticity and plasticity in communication disorders
• Recent advances in drug treatment for neural degeneration in communications disorders