A wearable device combines its existing functions (e.g., a headphone) with non-invasive autonomic modulation using tragus or other external auditory meatus stimulation. The wearable device can output audio to a user, such as music, podcast, etc., and further provide modulation of the vagus nerve via tragus stimulation or other external auditory meatus stimulation to treat various diseases.

An in-ear stimulation device for administering caloric stimulation to the ear canal of a subject includes (a) first and second earpieces configured to be insertable into the ear canals of the subject; (b) at least first and second thermoelectric devices thermally coupled to respective ones of the first and second earpieces; (c) a first heat sink thermally coupled to the first thermoelectric device opposite the first earpiece and a second heat sink thermally coupled to the second thermoelectric device opposite the second earpiece; and (d) a controller comprising a waveform generator in communication with the first and second thermoelectric devices, the waveform generator configured to generate a first control signal to control a first caloric output to the first thermoelectric device and a second control signal to control a second caloric output to the second caloric device.

The present invention provides devices, systems and methods for delivering one or more thermal waveforms to the vestibular system and/or the nervous system of a patient. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a vestibular stimulation device configured both to generate a prescription for delivering one or more thermal waveforms and to deliver the prescribed thermal waveforms.

Systems, devices, and methods for neurostimulation via vestibular stimulation are described. One example is a device for administering thermal stimulation to an ear canal of a subject. The device may include an earpiece configured to be at least partially insertable into the ear canal of the subject; a thermoelectric device thermally coupled to the earpiece and configured to heat and/or cool the earpiece to thereby heat and/or cool the ear canal of the subject; and a controller configured to administer a selected treatment plan including administering a caloric vestibular stimulation (CVS) stimulus to the ear canal of the subject in a condition-treatment effective amount during a first treatment interval. The treatment plan may be effective to produce a durable improvement in at least one symptom of the condition for a time of at least 1 week following cessation of the administering.

An in-ear stimulation device for administering caloric stimulation to the ear canal of a subject includes (a) first and second earpieces configured to be insertable into the ear canals of the subject; (b) at least first and second thermoelectric devices thermally coupled to respective ones of the first and second earpieces; (c) a first heat sink thermally coupled to the first thermoelectric device opposite the first earpiece and a second heat sink thermally coupled to the second thermoelectric device opposite the second earpiece; and (d) a controller comprising a waveform generator in communication with the first and second thermoelectric devices, the waveform generator configured to generate a first control signal to control a first caloric output to the first thermoelectric device and a second control signal to control a second caloric output to the second caloric device.

A heat transfer device for application of thermal therapy from a contact surface to internal structures of a human ear. One or more device may form an assembly in combination with a pair of auditory headphones to dispose an add-on contact surface for contact with desired portion(s) of a human head at a location spaced-apart from the conventional contact surface of an earpiece of the headphones. A heat transfer device is disposed between a surface of a wearer and the conventional contact surface of an earpiece when the assembly is installed on the wearer. A heat transfer device may be passive (pre-cooled), active (e.g., thermoelectrically active), or include elements of both.

Selectively controllable apparatus for insertion into an ear canal, and related methods of use and operation for behavioral control. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a body configured for insertion into an ear canal. In one variant, the body includes one or more thermal mechanisms which enable selective increase or decrease of temperature of at least portions of the ear canal so as to implement behavioral control of the user, such as to mitigate cravings for food, alcohol, narcotics, or other potentially deleterious substances. In one variant, a mild nausea or pre-nausea condition is created within the user according to a time-temperature profile so as to induce the aforementioned behavioral modification.

Caloric stimulation and pressure stimulation can be applied to the ear for treatment of neurological disorders, such as migraine, pain, and headache. Heat can be applied first to increase the sensitivity of the mechanoreceptors in the ear. The pressure can be applied after heating to produce a stronger neurological response than would occur without the heating. In some cases, cooling can be used. Valves can be used to direct fluid flow to a right ear, a left ear, or both. Valves can be used to transition the system between an irrigation or caloric mode and a pressure mode. Green eyewear can be used for therapeutic relief.

Selectively controllable apparatus for insertion into an ear canal, and related methods of use and operation for behavioral control. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a body configured for insertion into an ear canal. In one variant, the body includes one or more thermal mechanisms which enable selective increase or decrease of temperature of at least portions of the ear canal so as to implement behavioral control of the user, such as to mitigate cravings for food, alcohol, narcotics, or other potentially deleterious substances. In one variant, a mild nausea or pre-nausea condition is created within the user according to a time-temperature profile so as to induce the aforementioned behavioral modification.

A wearable air purifier is provided and includes a headgear, an air delivery mask, and a fan. The air delivery mask is connected to the headgear and bounds an air delivery region. The air delivery mask is further configured to define a first airflow path to deliver a flow of air to the air delivery region. The headgear defines a second airflow path. The fan is configured to direct airflow to the first airflow path and the second airflow path.