Development of a Wearable Ultrasonic Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulator

This article discusses the design and development of a wearable and portable ultrasound auricular nerve stimulator. The device is in the form of a headset that presses against the cymba concha depression in the ear and stimulates the auricular vagus nerve with ultrasound energy. This article reviews the development, design, and material structures for such a system, including the characterization of the working prototypes. The devices are being supplied to various organizations and universities for clinical trials, in which effectiveness will be assessed. The device is light, compact, and an effective neurostimulator to induce calm. To the best of our knowledge, the device is the first fully built ultrasonic auricular nerve stimulator in the world.