Ear zaps may alter pain signals, tiny study hints
NCT ID NCT07184190
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This small pilot study tested whether stimulating a nerve in the ear (the auriculotemporal nerve) with mild electrical pulses can change how healthy volunteers process pain. Twelve people received two types of stimulation, and researchers measured pain thresholds and pain modulation. The goal was to see if this non-invasive technique could influence the body's pain signaling, which might one day lead to new pain treatments.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Transcutaneous Auriculotemporal Nerve Stimulation (electrical stimulation device)
- What this could lead to
- If this works, it could point toward a new, non-invasive way to manage pain by stimulating a nerve in the ear.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early pilot study with only 12 healthy people, not patients. It only tests short-term effects on pain processing, not real pain relief. Results may not apply to people with pain conditions.
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
-
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
-
12 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Sep 2025
- Finished
-
Nov 2025
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 35 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
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: * Subjects of both sexes, aged 18 to 35 years; * No symptoms or history of disease in the craniofacial region; * No symptoms of chronic pain in any body region. Exclusion Criteria: * History of surgery, trauma to the craniofacial region or cancer; * Systemic disease (e.g., rheumatic disease); * Neurological and/or psychiatric disorders; * Altered sensation (e.g., hipo or hypersensitivity); * Current pregnancy or menstrual cycle * Intake medication (e.g., centrally acting); * Prior experience with electrical stimulation treatment; * Intense physical activity, use of stimulants and/or analgesics in the previous 24 hours; * Acute sleep disruptions (e.g., recent sleep deprivation); * Inability to understand the informed consent document.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Healthy are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Universidad del Gran Rosario
Rosario, Santa Fe Province, S2134BZH, Argentina
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can a chewable postbiotic tablet keep plaque and gum inflammation at bay?
- Can a new oral drug safely help older adults manage weight?
- Can a protein powder with creatine and fiber boost everyday Well-Being?
- Green tech or hidden stress? bus Drivers' hearts monitored behind the wheel
- Shout it out: can growls and screams raise pain tolerance?
- Scientists probe why brain stimulation works for some and not others