RecruitingNot ApplicableInterventional

A trial investigating the effectiveness of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) for misophonia

This research is looking into a new way to help people with misophonia, a condition where everyday sounds like chewing or breathing cause strong feelings of anger, anxiety, or disgust. The study uses a small, hand-held device called tVNS (transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation). This device sends gentle electrical pulses to your ear. We want to see if using tVNS can reduce misophonia symptoms. If you're aged 18-40, not currently being treated for misophonia, and meet other criteria, you might be able to take part. It involves using the device at home for four weeks, attending a couple of visits for scans and tests, and filling out questionnaires. Your involvement could really help us understand and treat misophonia better.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Not Applicable

Sponsor

University of Sussex

Enrolment target

Start

19 Jan 2026

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2026

Misophonia

What is this study about?

Misophonia is a condition where specific sounds, often made by other people like chewing or breathing, trigger very strong negative feelings such as anger, anxiety, or disgust. These reactions can be so intense that they significantly impact a person's daily life, affecting their schooling, work, and social interactions. Currently, there isn't one clear treatment that works for everyone, so researchers are always looking for new and effective ways to help.

This study is investigating a new potential treatment called transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation, or tVNS for short. This method involves using a small, safe, hand-held device that sends gentle electrical pulses to a specific part of the ear. This non-invasive approach stimulates a nerve called the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve plays a role in how our body responds to stress and emotions, and tVNS has shown promise in helping with other conditions like migraines and tinnitus.

The main goal of this research is to find out if tVNS can help reduce the strong negative reactions and distress caused by misophonia. By understanding whether this gentle electrical stimulation can make a difference, we hope to move closer to offering a new and effective treatment option for people living with misophonia. Even if you don't personally feel better, the information gathered from your participation will greatly help in understanding misophonia and potential new treatments.

Key takeaways

This study investigates a new device (tVNS) for misophonia.
Participation involves using a device at home, MRI scans, and questionnaires.
The study runs from January to July 2026.
Mild skin irritation is the most common side effect.
Your contribution helps advance misophonia research.
Funded by the Misophonia Research Fund (MRF) awarded by the REAM foundation, UK.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, we are looking for people who are between 18 and 40 years old. You should have moderate to severe misophonia symptoms, meaning the sounds you react to cause you significant distress. It's important that you're not currently receiving any other treatment for misophonia or planning to start any during the study period. You should also be right-handed and be a native English speaker.

There are also some health conditions that would mean you can't take part. For example, if you have any active implanted devices in your body like a pacemaker, or issues like a history of seizures, heart problems, or brain injuries. We also can't include pregnant individuals, or anyone with skin problems near their ears where the device would be used. You will also need to own a smartphone and be willing to use it for the study app.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 40 years old?
Do you have moderate to severe misophonia symptoms?
Are you currently not receiving treatment for misophonia?
Do you have good overall health with no history of serious brain or heart problems?
Do you own and are you willing to use a smartphone for the study?
Are you a native English speaker and right-handed?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, your journey will start with some online questionnaires about your misophonia, mental well-being, and hearing, which will take about 20 minutes. After that, there will be two main visits to the study centre, separated by four weeks of home device use.

During your first visit (about 3 hours), you'll have an MRI scan, which involves watching videos (including trigger sounds) and rating how they make you feel. You'll also have a short hearing test and do a computer task where your heart rate and skin sweatiness will be monitored while you listen to different sounds. Finally, you'll be shown how to use the tVNS device.

For the next four weeks, you'll use the tVNS device at home for 30 minutes, twice a day, at least five days a week. You'll attach a small earpiece to your left ear. Each week, you'll complete a short online questionnaire to check for any side effects. After four weeks, you'll fill out a final online questionnaire about your experience and symptoms. Your second visit (2-3 hours) will be similar to the first, repeating the MRI, hearing test, and computer task. Finally, four weeks after your second visit, you'll complete one last questionnaire at home.

Potential risks and benefits

It's possible that participating in this study could help reduce your misophonia symptoms, but we can't guarantee this. However, your involvement is incredibly valuable as it will help us learn more about misophonia and find new ways to treat it, which will benefit others in the future. The tVNS device is a certified medical device and has been thoroughly checked for safety. The most common side effect, affecting up to 18% of users, is mild skin irritation or discomfort where the earpiece touches your ear, which usually goes away quickly. Very rarely (less than 1% of people), some might experience cold-like symptoms, headache, dizziness, or sickness. If you have depression, there's a small chance your symptoms could temporarily worsen. You can stop using the device at any time if you're concerned, and you'll be given a safety booklet explaining how to use it safely and what to do if any issues arise.

Locations (3)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex
City only
Brighton, England
Clinical Imaging Sciences Centre, University of Sussex
City only
Brighton, England
School of Psychology University of Sussex
City only
Brighton, England

Common questions

What is misophonia?

It's a condition where certain everyday sounds, often like chewing or breathing, cause very strong negative feelings like anger or anxiety.

What is tVNS?

It's a small device that sends gentle electrical pulses to your ear to stimulate a nerve called the vagus nerve, which may help with various health conditions.

How long will I be using the tVNS device?

You'll use the device at home for 30 minutes, twice a day, at least five days a week, for a total of four weeks.

Will I have an MRI scan?

Yes, you will have two MRI scans, one at the start and one at the end of the four-week home use period.

Can I stop participating if I want to?

Yes, you are free to stop using the device or withdraw from the study at any time if you feel uncomfortable or have concerns.

How to find out more

Giulia Poerio

g.l.poerio@sussex.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.