Sound waves in the ear: a new hope for tinnitus?
NCT ID NCT07291648
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether people with tinnitus can tell if they are receiving real or fake ultrasound stimulation of the vagus nerve in the ear. Twenty adults with constant tinnitus for at least six months took part. The goal was to see how well the blinding worked and what side effects occurred, not to measure tinnitus relief. The device, called ZenBud, uses focused ultrasound to stimulate the nerve, which may help normalize brain activity linked to tinnitus.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Ultrasound Vagus Nerve Stimulation (U-VNS) using the ZenBud device
What this could lead to
If this approach works, it could point toward a non-invasive, targeted treatment for tinnitus that avoids the side effects of electrical stimulation.
What could go wrong
This is a very small, early-stage study (20 people) focused on blinding and side effects, not on whether the treatment actually reduces tinnitus. The device may not prove effective in larger trials.
Disclaimer
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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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University of Nottingham
Nottingham, United Kingdom