Ear stimulation helps babies learn to eat, avoid feeding tubes
NCT ID NCT07049952
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests a new device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear while babies practice bottle feeding. The goal is to help infants with brain injury or feeding delays learn to eat by mouth, so they can go home sooner and avoid feeding tubes. About 88 babies will take part in this blinded, randomized trial across multiple hospitals.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 2/3
Runs two stages together: whether the treatment works, then large-scale confirmation.
- Participants
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About 88 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Nov 2025
- Expected to finish
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Dec 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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39 to 54 weeks
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * infants \>39 weeks PMA making minimal progress in oral feeds * trying to learn feeding for at least 2wks if beginning feeds at term (\>37wks PMA), and 4wks if beginning feeds \<36wks PMA, * may po every feed without volume limitations by therapists Exclusion Criteria: * cardiomyopathy * unstable apnea/bradycardia * significant respiratory support (CPAP/ Vapotherm) * unrepaired major congenital anomalies that affect safe po feeding or impose volume restrictions * congenital syndromes unlikely to orally feed
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital, Medical University of South Carolina
RECRUITINGCharleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States