Nervana: Headphones That Get You High? - What the actual f**k?!

http://ukf.com/news/nervana-headphones-that-get-you-high/15281

It’s best to clarify that Nervana don’t use the term ‘high’ and they probably try to avoid it. The key phrase here is ‘Vagus nerve stimulation’, a technique that has been used to treat forms of depression (and even strong cases of hiccups) and works by sending electrical pulses to your cranial nerves, triggering neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. Nervana’s headphones, however, are the first consumer product that doesn’t utilise vagus nerve stimulation invasively and sends the pulses along your ear canal.

http://experiencenervana.com/technology-vagus-nerve-stimulation/

Do you think this is legit? Even if it is, I'm worried how safe is to do things like that.

Opinions?

 

Sounds like Videodrome for the ears.

 

I'll believe it when Jude blogs about it.

 

If they would just seperate the stimulation device from the headphones, then I'd be buy curious.

 

I just came across this today. It basically makes me think of a wimpier version of this but with earbuds attached:

 

They are literally within 15 minutes of where I live. I was curious myself about them. I was planning a trip there, if you guys are interested, I'll share my findings.

 

Whaddya know, the guy's still in business:
(and still wearing the same blue top, apparently)

 

yesyesyes! Please do!

I don't think this counts as hifi, but if these things do anything at all, it could be interesting and even potentially useful.

On their site....

That's it? Shame, I was expecting some science, especially as that is what the heading says. Perhaps I should just be glad they didn't give us a big pile of steaming pseudo-science. Anyway, I googled.

 

Eh Thad, what exactly were you trying to stimulate? Better still, dont answer that question.

 

Thad needs to look them straight in the eye and ask the important question... "are there any other nerves it can stimulate". Don't break eye contact; assert dominance.

 

I'll see if I can swing by there next week. Hopefully they are available for a listen.

 

An imaginary representative replies...

Sir, the code-name-kundalini model is still in development. The early stages of development. The code-name-viagra is a little more advanced, but, to be honest, our lab assistant is frightfully attractive, so it may not be the device having the effect.

We did accidentally develop a model that makes its users fart. This one passes all blind and placebo tests. 100% effective. Sadly, we can't imagine anybody actually buying one. ​

Hopefully they are available for a sensory experience!

A scientist friend of mine tells me that it if a person's brain is stimulated by probes in known locations, they will, reliably and reproducibly, see god. Perhaps Nervana would like to investigate the possibilities there. Mind you, music has been known to pretty much take me there without gadgets attached --- and I'm an atheist!

 

Lol... I don't know how these will work, if at all. I'm skeptical, but I have used binaural tones in the past. Mixed results really.

 

Well if one wraps the cable around certain sensory organ, who knows what may happen!

Are there potential amp upgrades if we need something stronger?

 

I just ordered it, they had me on "high" and vagus nerve stimulation. I read vagus nerve stimulation can reduce inflammation and can help certain types of tinnitus. I often feel stuffed in the ear and sinus area if this stimulation help reducing inflammation in that area I am all for it. If it works it should increase my enjoyment of my main set up more by getting rid of stuffy ears and sinus.

 

If that helps tinnitus it would be a miracle. I have it. Drives me insane at times.

 

From google searching "tinnitus vagus stimulation" I found it's a new treatment for tinnitus and some doctors are using it already.

I am not sure if I have tinnitus, but I sometimes (rare) I get a high pitched tone for about 10-20 seconds then it goes away, no constant ringing though.

 

I get this all the time. It's like it quickly fades in then fades back out after a few seconds. The sound is very similar to what old CRT tvs would emit. Often I just hear that whine constantly and have to try and track down what device or wallwart it's coming from.

 

I wish they'd find a cure... Or just a little relief. Thankfully it hasn't progressed, it's bad enough as is.

 

Just wanted to update you guys, was really sick for almost 2 weeks. I'm hoping this week I will be able to stop in. Between being ill and reopening my office, I've had no free time.