Can a tiny ear zap help you hear in a crowd?
NCT ID NCT07192757
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a gentle electrical stimulation on the ear (taVNS) can improve speech understanding in noisy environments for older adults with age-related hearing loss. 36 participants aged 55-80 will receive either active or sham stimulation. The goal is to see if this simple, non-invasive device can help when hearing aids fall short.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a non-invasive way to help older adults hear conversations in noisy places, reducing social withdrawal.
What could go wrong
This is a small pilot study with only 36 people. The effect may be small or not work at all, and it is not a replacement for hearing aids.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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UF Health at the University of Florida
RECRUITINGGainesville, Florida, 32610, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••