Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation (taVNS) in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

This study is testing whether a non-invasive earpiece (transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulator, or taVNS) — which sends gentle electrical signals through the skin of the ear to stimulate the vagus nerve — can improve kidney function and reduce inflammation in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). **You may be eligible if...** - You are 18 or older - You have been diagnosed with CKD stage 3–5 (kidney function significantly reduced, eGFR ≤ 60) - You are currently receiving care at NYU Nephrology outpatient clinic - You are able to provide informed consent **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, or another primary nervous system disorder - You have an implanted pacemaker, defibrillator, or chronic atrial fibrillation that prevents heart rate variability monitoring - You are currently on dialysis - You have symptomatic slow heart rate (bradycardia) - You are pregnant or incarcerated Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.