National Human Ear Resource Network. Supported by: NIH/NIDCD

Privacy Policy

Updated on December 9, 2025

Last Updated: Dec 09, 2025

This Privacy Policy describes how the NIDCD National Human Ear Resource (“we,” “us,” or “our”) collects, uses, stores, and discloses information obtained from users (“you,” “User”) of our website (the “Site”). By accessing or using the Site, you signify that you have read and agree to this Privacy Policy.

The NIDCD National Human Ear Resource is an academic and scientific initiative. We do not sell products or services, and we do not collect medical or donation registration information. When you follow links on this Site—such as to a temporal bone donation program—any information you submit there is governed by the privacy policy of the receiving organization.

  1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personally Identifiable Information You Voluntarily Provide

We only collect personally identifiable information (“Personal Information”) if you voluntarily submit it to us. This may occur if you:

  • fill out a contact form,
  • subscribe to email updates (if offered),
  • request information about participating laboratories or resources,
  • communicate with us through email.

The information you may voluntarily provide can include:

  • name,
  • email address,
  • institution or affiliation,
  • professional contact information,
  • any additional details you choose to include in a message.

We do not ask for or store medical, clinical, or donation-related personal data.

You may visit the Site without providing any Personal Information.

1.2 Information Collected Automatically

We may automatically collect certain non-personally identifiable information when you interact with the Site. This may include:

  • browser type,
  • device type,
  • IP address,
  • referring domain,
  • operating system,
  • pages viewed, time spent, and clickstream data.

This information is used strictly for Site functionality, security, and analytics.

1.3 Cookies and Similar Technologies

The Site may use cookies or similar technologies to:

  • improve user experience,
  • analyze Site usage,
  • maintain basic functionality.

You may choose to reject cookies through your browser settings. Some Site features may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

  1. How We Use Collected Information

We may use information collected from Users for the following purposes:

  • To operate and maintain the Site.
    This includes security, troubleshooting, analytics, and ensuring proper display and functionality.
  • To improve the Site.
    User feedback helps us enhance scientific and educational content.
  • To communicate with you.
    If you contact us, we may respond using the email address you provide.
  • For research and usage analytics.
    Non-identifiable, aggregated information may be used to understand Site utilization and guide improvements.

We do not use Personal Information for marketing, advertising, or commercial purposes.

  1. How We Protect Your Information

We implement reasonable administrative, physical, and technical safeguards designed to protect Personal Information against unauthorized access, alteration, disclosure, or destruction.
However, no method of transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

  1. Sharing Your Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade Personal Information.

We may share limited information only in the following circumstances:

  • With service providers that assist us in Site maintenance, hosting, analytics, or communications. These third parties may access Personal Information solely to perform tasks on our behalf and are obligated not to disclose or use it for other purposes.
  • With participating laboratories, if you specifically request to be connected to a staff member or resource at one of the Participating Institutions (UCLA, University of Minnesota, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Stanford, Johns Hopkins).
  • To comply with legal obligations, including subpoenas, court orders, regulatory requirements, or to protect rights, safety, and security.
  • During organizational transitions, if administrative responsibility for the Site transfers to another federally funded research group or institution.

We do not share Personal Information with organ or tissue donation programs; if you follow donation links from our Site, any information you submit there is governed independently.

  1. Email Communications

If you voluntarily opt-in to receive email updates (if offered), you may receive informational messages related to educational resources, project updates, or network news.
You may unsubscribe at any time using instructions in any email or by contacting us.

  1. Third-Party Websites

The Site contains links to external websites, including scientific resources and temporal bone donation programs.
We do not control and are not responsible for:

  • the content of third-party sites,
  • their privacy practices, or
  • their terms and policies.

Your interactions with any linked third-party website are governed solely by that site’s policies.

  1. Children’s Privacy

The Site is intended for use by adults and professionals.
We do not knowingly collect Personal Information from children under the age of 13.
If we learn that such information has been collected, we will delete it promptly.
If you believe we may have collected information from a child under 13, please contact us.

  1. Accessing, Updating, or Deleting Your Information

If you believe the Site holds Personal Information about you that requires correction, update, or deletion, you may contact us using the information provided at the end of this Policy.
We may request verification of identity before making changes.

  1. Your California Privacy Rights

California residents may request information regarding any sharing of Personal Information with third parties for their direct marketing purposes.
Because we do not share Personal Information for marketing, this requirement generally does not apply.
If you still wish to inquire, you may contact us as described below.

We do not track Users across third-party sites, and therefore the Site does not respond to “Do Not Track” signals.

  1. EU/EEA Data Protection and GDPR Rights

If you are located in the European Union or European Economic Area, you may have rights under the General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), including the right to:

  • access your Personal Data,
  • request correction or deletion,
  • restrict or object to processing,
  • withdraw consent (where processing is based on consent),
  • receive a copy of your data (“data portability”),
  • lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority.

To exercise these rights, contact us using the information below.
Because the Site is hosted in the United States, any submitted data may be transferred and stored here.

  1. International Data Transfers

If you provide information from outside the United States, you consent to the transfer and processing of your information in the U.S., where data protection laws may differ.
We take reasonable measures to protect your data during such transfers.

  1. Data Retention

We retain Personal Information only as long as necessary:

  • to fulfill its purpose,
  • to comply with legal obligations, or
  • as required for legitimate scientific, administrative, or archival purposes.

You may request deletion at any time.

  1. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy at any time.
When updates occur, we will revise the “Last Updated” date above.
Your continued use of the Site after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Policy.

  1. Contacting Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our data practices, please contact us at:

contact@temporalbone.org