Ear-Zap hope for stroke swallowing woes in elderly

NCT ID NCT07428590

First seen Jun 27, 2026 ยท Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether a non-invasive device that gently stimulates a nerve in the ear can help people over 70 recover swallowing after a stroke. Twenty participants will receive either active or sham stimulation alongside standard speech therapy for three weeks. Researchers will measure changes in swallowing function and quality of life to see if the device adds any benefit.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS-E) device
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a simple, non-invasive way to improve swallowing recovery in older stroke patients.
What could go wrong
This is a very small early study with only 20 people, so results may not apply widely. The treatment is added to standard therapy, so any benefit may be modest.

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

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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

Locations

  • CHU de Nice

    Nice, 06000, France

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.