Ear Stimulation Device for High Blood Pressure Treatment

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have investigated a noninvasive device that delivers electrical nerve stimulation through the ear to treat stubborn high blood pressure. Published on October 16, 2026 in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension, the NIHR-funded SCRATCH-HTN trial tested the handheld device on 63 participants whose hypertension remained uncontrolled despite medication. The trial aimed to evaluate whether transcutaneous autonomic neuromodulation (tAN) could safely and practically help lower blood pressure without invasive procedures. While active treatment did not achieve a statistically significant overall reduction compared to sham devices across the broader unselected group, pre-planned subgroup analyses revealed promising blood pressure reductions in participants who started with more severe hypertension. Developed by Afferent Medical Solutions, the handheld device delivers gentle electrical pulses through two clips attached to the tragus of the ear. Participants used the device for 30 minutes daily during the first two weeks and once weekly for the subsequent 10 weeks, demonstrating that the treatment was safe, well-tolerated, and practical for home administration. These findings establish a clear foundation for future larger-scale clinical trials targeting specific patient populations with severe hypertension. The research highlights the potential of noninvasive neuromodulation as a cheap, scalable solution for millions of patients struggling with uncontrolled blood pressure.