Vestibular stimulation apparatus and associated methods of use

An in-ear device for delivering caloric vestibular stimulation to an individual, comprising:

• (a) a preformed ear insert so dimensioned as to be insertable into the ear canal of an individual, said insert having an inner portion;
• and
• (b) at least two separately controllable thermoelectric transducers spaced apart from one another on said ear insert inner portion,
• said preformed ear insert having a surface portion configured to conformably engage the ear canal, so that heat can be conducted between each of said at least two separately controllable thermoelectric transducers and the ear canal to deliver vestibular stimulation to the individual.

A method of delivering vestibular stimulation to an individual's brain, the method comprising:

• arranging a thermal transducer and an electrode on an ear insert in a position to stimulate the vestibular system of the individual;
• electronically connecting said transducer and said electrode to a controller;
• supplying said controller with galvanic skin resistance data and temperature data from the individual;
• activating said transducer and said electrode via a controller for a time and to a temperature sufficient to deliver vestibular stimulation to the individual, wherein the vestibular stimulation is selected from the group comprising caloric stimulation, electrical stimulation, and combinations of each.