Ear tickling reveals brain secrets in healthy volunteers

NCT ID NCT06825364

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looks at how gentle touch on different parts of the ear affects brain activity in 80 healthy adults. Participants wear a cap with infrared sensors to measure brain signals while a plastic filament gently stimulates points on both ears. The goal is to see if different ear points produce different brain responses, which could inform future research on ear-based therapies.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: auricular stimulation (von Frey filament)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help map how ear stimulation affects brain activity, potentially guiding future treatments for pain or other conditions.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study in healthy volunteers, not patients. It only measures brain signals, not any treatment effect, so results may not apply to medical conditions.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HEALTHY MALE AND FEMALE SUBJECTS HEALTHY VOLUNTEER STUDY

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Pittsburgh
RECRUITING

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213, United States

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