Ultrasonic auricular vagus nerve stimulator

A headset apparatus for a subject comprising:

• (a) an earpiece comprising an ultrasound transducer that is configured to nest against an ear of the subject;
• (b) a headband that is coupled to the earpiece and is configured to extend across a parietal region of the head and to provide flexure that exerts a force for urging the ultrasound transducer against a pinna surface of the subject's ear, wherein the earpiece is further configured for rotation about the headband;
• (c) a control circuit that is programmed to generate an excitation signal that actuates a transducer signal for stimulation of the transducer along the pinna surface;
• and
• (d) an alignment projection extending from the earpiece and configured as an alignment feature for positioning the transducer against the pinna surface when the alignment projection is seated within the opening of an ear canal of the subject,
• wherein the ultrasound transducer and the alignment projection are in fixed positions relative to each other within the earpiece.

A method for vagus nerve stimulation comprising:

• (a) mounting an ultrasound transducer within an earpiece of a headset, wherein the headset is configured to nest the ultrasound transducer against an ear of a subject;
• (b) coupling the earpiece to a headband that is configured for extending across a parietal region of the head and for providing flexure that exerts a force for urging the ultrasound transducer against a pinna of the subject's ear;
• (c) disposing the ultrasound transducer in position against the pinna by seating an alignment feature that extends from the earpiece within the opening of an ear canal of the subject;
• (d) energizing the ultrasound transducer to apply an ultrasound signal against the pinna;
• and
• (e) providing an audible signal that indicates active ultrasound emission to the subject.