Could a simple ear vibration quiet the ringing in your ears?

NCT ID NCT06821893

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tested a device that gently vibrates the left ear to stimulate the vagus nerve, aiming to reduce the bother of chronic tinnitus. Forty adults with moderate to severe tinnitus used either the active device or a sham (inactive) device during 8 weeks of online mindfulness training. Researchers measured changes in tinnitus severity and how often people used the device.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: vibrational ear clip device
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new, non-invasive way to ease the annoyance of tinnitus without medication.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early pilot study with only 40 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The device is used alongside mindfulness, making it hard to know which part helps.

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.

tinnitus

As listed by the trial registrant

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

TINNITUS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Washington University

St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

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