Shocking anxiety away? Ear-Zap device tested for autism
NCT ID NCT06258590
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study tested a wearable device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear to help manage anxiety in teenagers with autism. Ten participants used the device at home twice daily for four weeks. The goal was to see if it was safe and easy to use, not yet to prove it works. Results may guide larger studies.
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) device
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a non-drug, at-home option to ease anxiety for people with autism.
What could go wrong
This was a very small pilot study with only 10 participants and no placebo group. The results may not apply to everyone, and the device might not work for all.
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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Locations
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Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States