Ear-Zap device could ease autism anxiety, tiny trial hopes
NCT ID NCT06473623
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests a non-invasive device that gently stimulates the vagus nerve through the ear to see if it can help ease symptoms of autism, such as anxiety and social difficulties. The trial will include 20 people aged 7 to 26 with an autism diagnosis. The main goal is to see if the treatment is tolerable and practical, while also checking for any improvements in mood and behavior.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- non-invasive auricular fiber vagus nerve stimulation device
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a new, drug-free way to ease anxiety and improve social interactions for people with autism.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early-stage trial with only 20 people and no placebo group, so results may not be reliable or apply to everyone. The device may also cause discomfort or not work at all.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 20 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Dec 2025
- Expected to finish
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Feb 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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7 to 26 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Written informed consent * Age: between 7 and 26 years * Participants and parent/ guardian must have proficiency in English * Diagnosis of ASD as defined by ADOS-2 or DSM-5 criteria Exclusion Criteria: * Severe psychiatric disorders (e.g. bipolar, major depressive disorder) * Severe neurological disorders (e.g. stroke, epilepsy) * Bradyarrhythmia * History of head trauma (surgery or tumor) * Active medical implants (cochlear, VNS or pacemakers) * Cerebral shunts * Auricular skin disease that compromises placement of electrodes * Pregnancy
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The study's own enquiry address
This study publishes an address for enquiries. See it below .
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Locations
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Hong Kong Science Park
RECRUITINGTai Po, Hong Kong
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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