Ear-Zapping device may help long COVID patients recover energy
NCT ID NCT06510985
First seen Sep 09, 2026 · Last updated Sep 10, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
Researchers are testing whether a non-invasive device that stimulates the vagus nerve through the ear can help people with Long COVID recover after exertion. The trial enrolls 120 people with persistent symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, and shortness of breath. Participants use the device at home for 12 weeks while researchers track changes in fatigue, depression, and motivation to work for rewards.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation delivered through an ear-worn device
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a non-invasive, self-administered way to ease fatigue and low motivation in people with Long COVID.
- What could go wrong
- The trial is small and tests a device rather than a drug, so results may not hold up in larger groups. Long COVID symptoms vary widely, and some participants may see little change.
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 120 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jul 2024
- Expected to finish
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May 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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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
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18 to 65 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: * individuals who have previously tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection (preferred PCR-Test) or have a medically confirmed history of COVID-19 (preferred SARS-CoV-2 Antibody-test) and have persistent symptoms (including Post-COVID) . * clinical diagnoses made by physician: individuals are included with at least one persistent symptom for at least 4 weeks (Long-COVID) or at least 8 weeks (Post-COVID) following the SARS-CoV-2 infections, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, headaches, irritability, cognitive difficulties, muscle or joint pain, sleep disturbances, etc. * Participants should not have an alternative explanation for their persistent symptoms, ruling out other medical or psychiatric conditions. Exclusion Criteria: * lack of capacity for consent * insufficient German language skills: Participants must have sufficient (B2 German) language skills to understand the informed consent form, study procedures, and questionnaires. * Intensive Care Unit treatment during COVID-19 infection * BMI \> 18.5 \& BMI \< 30 kg/m2 Lifetime (according to DSM 5): * brain injury, stroke, epilepsy, or history of seizures * schizophrenia * bipolar disorder * severe substance use disorders, except tobacco * cardiac arrhythmia, coronary heart disease * 12-month prevalence: pregnancy or nursing Additional exclusion criteria for a safe application of tVNS: * active implant (pacemaker, cochlear implant, implanted electrode device) and cerebral shunts * required permanent use of left-sided hearing aid * ear infections, open wounds, or impaired skin at electrode sites
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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
Locations
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Translational Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hosptial Tübingen
Tübingen, Germany
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.