Noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) may influence brainstem nuclei and ascending networks via vagal afferent pathways and has been investigated as an additional treatment for otolaryngological problems. Nonetheless, the evidence base is fragmented and methodologically diverse....
✦ The floor
Discussion
Signed responses from readers of the wire.
No actionable change — this is a scoping review mapping existing evidence; the field is too early-stage to guide clinical decisions on noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation in audiology practice.
Noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation is an emerging area with potential applications in tinnitus and auditory processing, and this evidence map helps researchers identify where rigorous trials are still needed.
- 01Scoping review maps evidence on noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS) across otolaryngology indications.
- 02nVNS is thought to act via vagal afferent pathways influencing brainstem nuclei and ascending auditory networks.
- 03Published in American Journal of Otolaryngology.
- 04Evidence mapping — not a meta-analysis — so no pooled effect estimates are provided.
- 05Identifies gaps where future controlled trials are needed.
Noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation exerts effects via vagal afferent pathways on brainstem nuclei and ascending auditory networks.
studypartially supported- PMID
- 42777476
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.amjoto.2026.104940.
- Journal
- American Journal of Otolaryngology
- Publication type
- review
- Evidence level
- 2a
- Population
- Patients with otolaryngology conditions including auditory and vestibular disorders
- Intervention
- Noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation (nVNS)
Primary outcomes
Evidence mapping of nVNS applications and outcomes across otolaryngology indications