Ear-Zap hope for stroke swallowing woes in elderly

NCT ID NCT07428590

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · 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 — 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.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

communication disorder Deglutition Disorders stroke disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • CHU de Nice

    Nice, 06000, France

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••