FAQs

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared Sparrow Ascent for use by adults (18+) seeking to alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms. Sparrow Ascent wearable neurostimulation can be used on its own or in conjunction with standard symptomatic opioid withdrawal medications and other therapies for opioid withdrawal. It’s available by prescription only, so you will need to discuss this option with your healthcare provider.

Go to SparrowRx.com and click “See if I Qualify” to take the quiz and see if you meet the initial criteria. If you do, you can be connected with a licensed telehealth provider in your state for a medical assessment. If it is determined that Sparrow Ascent is right for you, you will receive a prescription to have the device shipped directly to your home.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared Sparrow Ascent for use by adults (18+) seeking to alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms. Sparrow Ascent wearable neurostimulation can be used on its own or in conjunction with standard symptomatic opioid withdrawal medications and other therapies for opioid withdrawal. It’s available by prescription only, so you will need to discuss this option with your healthcare provider.

Go to SparrowRx.com and click “See if I Qualify” to take the quiz and see if you meet the initial criteria. If you do, you can be connected with a licensed telehealth provider in your state for a medical assessment. If it is determined that Sparrow Ascent is right for you, you will receive a prescription to have the device shipped directly to your home.

Sparrow Ascent is a safe, comfortable, drug-free opioid withdrawal treatment option that was designed to be used in a variety of patient settings, in-patient, out-patient, at home, or on the go; however, certain eligible patients may desire or require closer monitoring during the detoxification process. Visit SparrowRx.com and click “See if I Qualify” to take the quiz and determine which option may be best for you. If you meet the initial qualification for remote treatment, you’ll be put in touch with a telehealth provider who may prescribe eligible patients Sparrow Ascent for home delivery. If you require in-patient care, you’ll be directed to the Sparrow Provider Finder to locate a program near you. Or, you can download a copy of the Sparrow Ascent brochure and discuss it with your current healthcare provider.

Sparrow Ascent is available by prescription only. You can get it in three ways:

Telehealth – Visit SparrowRx.com and click “See if I Qualify” to see if you meet the initial qualification for telehealth treatment and may be eligible for home delivery of Sparrow Ascent.

Your Doctor – You can discuss Sparrow Ascent with your current healthcare provider. It may be helpful to download the Sparrow Ascent Patient Brochure and take it with you to your next appointment.

A Rehab Facility – Go to SparkBiomedical.com and click "Find a Provider" to find facilities in your area offering Sparrow Ascent as part of their detox process.

Long-term opioid use can change specific brain functions, which affect your mood, impulse control, and motivation. More importantly, prolonged opioid use can reduce the amount of dopamine you produce — that’s the brain’s neurochemical for reward and pleasure. If you stop opioid intake abruptly, you can experience severe and debilitating withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, diarrhea, anxiety, irritability, restlessness, and tremors, among other symptoms.

Clinical evidence shows that stimulating two key nerves (the Vagus and Trigeminal) that surface on and around the ear can activate areas of the brain responsible for endogenous opioid production — also known as endorphins. This is called neurostimulation. The Sparrow Ascent delivers safe, comfortable, targeted neurostimulation to those two nerves through a specially designed earpiece.

Stimulation delivered by the Sparrow Ascent signals the brain to release its own endorphins. These endorphins may fill the opioid receptors, without the need for added external opioids. Endorphins filling the opioid receptors trigger another reaction of endogenous dopamine release, which kick-starts the natural neurochemical process and helps alleviate withdrawal symptoms. This process also activates parts of the brain that reinforce rewarding behavior, decision-making, emotion, and stress reduction all important in helping put you on a better path for the next stage of your recovery journey.

Get started with Sparrow Ascent in three easy steps:

1. Apply the Earpiece,
2. Connect the Cable,
3. Start stimulation.

You may need someone to help you get started with Sparrow Ascent the first time if you have already begun the detox process and are experiencing opioid withdrawal symptoms.

For information on getting started

• Refer to the Quick Start Guide included in the Sparrow Ascent Kit
• Or visit SparrowRx.com/resources to
• ~Download the Instructions for Use
• ~Watch the Sparrow Ascent training videos

In clinical trials conducted with Sparrow, no participants experienced pain due to electrical stimulation. When using Sparrow Ascent at low stimulation strengths, you may feel a slight sensation or no sensation at all. As you gradually increase the strength, you will start to feel vibrations and tingling on and around your ear. If the stimulation strength(s) becomes uncomfortable, you can decrease stimulation to a more comfortable setting. Sensing stimulation at any level will likely be therapeutic.

When your Sparrow Ascent items are not in use, we recommend that you store your items at home in the Sparrow Ascent box and place them in a cool, dry location, like on your nightstand or in a closet. Remove the three AAA batteries from the Patient Controller for long-term storage.

The Sparrow Ascent Earpiece contains adhesives that are intended to be hypoallergenic. However, if you have a known allergy to adhesives, speak with your health-care provider before wearing the Sparrow Ascent Earpiece.

If you cannot place the Inner Electrode in the hollow just above the ear canal, you can place the Inner Electrode anywhere in the blue area shown in the figure below. Be sure the Inner Electrode makes full contact with the ear, is not lifting up, and is not placed inside the ear canal.

If changing the placement of the Inner Electrode does not resolve your problem, contact Spark Biomedical Customer Success at (844) 654-SPRK (7775).

For more information on applying the Earpiece:

• Refer to the Quick Start Guide included in the Sparrow Ascent Kit
• Or visit SparrowRx.com/resources to:
  - Download the Instruction for Use
  - Watch the patient training videos: Applying the Earpiece and Sparrow Ascent Troubleshooting — Loose Earpiece

Although Sparrow Ascent is FDA-cleared, it is not yet covered by insurance. That means you’ll need to pay out of pocket for the device. You can also use HSA or FSA dollars to cover the cost of Sparrow Ascent. The cost of your office visit or telehealth appointment may be covered by US-based health insurance carriers. Rebates and Costs of Sparrow Ascent from Healthcare Providers may vary.

If you need additional payment options for Sparrow Ascent, you may consider applying for Advance Care – the quickest and easiest way to pay for treatments not covered by insurance. Advance Care combines low interest rates and flexibility to make financing simple and affordable. Go to Advance Care to learn more and apply.

Results from Transcutaneous Auricular Neurostimulation (tAN®) therapy may vary. However, Spark Biomedical clinical studies have shown that tAN therapy provided through Sparrow Ascent begins to provide clinically significant opioid withdrawal symptom relief in as little as 30 minutes.

In clinical trials:

• 84% of participants experienced mild to no withdrawal symptoms at 60 minutes of therapy.
• By day three, 100% of participants experienced a clinically meaningful reduction in withdrawal symptoms.
• 9 out of 10 participants who completed detox accepted a referral to continue substance use disorder treatment.

Turn the Patient Controller ON or OFF by pressing and holding the power button for 3–5 seconds. When turning the Patient Controller ON, release the power button when you see the white screen with the Spark Biomedical logo.

When turning the Patient Controller OFF, release the power button when the screen prompts you to confirm powering OFF the device. Confirm powering OFF the device by pressing the OK button on the Patient Controller.

Just like your cell phone, the Patient Controller screen will go to sleep when the device is ON, but the screen is not being used. This feature saves battery life and prevents accidental changes to your therapy while the Patient Controller is in the holster or in your pocket. To wake the Patient Controller and unlock the device, click the power button, then press the OK button.

For more information on powering the Patient Controller,

1. Refer to the Quick Start Guide included in the Sparrow Ascent Kit
2. Or visit SparrowRx.com/resources to
3. ~Download the Instructions for Use
4. ~Watch the Sparrow Ascent training video — Turning ON the Patient Controller

Perception of stimulation will vary from person to person and can change throughout your therapy. When programming the stimulation strength for the Inner and Outer Electrodes, turn the Electrode ON and gradually increase stimulation until it feels slightly uncomfortable. Then, decrease stimulation strength one level at a time until stimulation is comfortable again. For example, you may barely feel stimulation at a setting of 10, so you increase it to a setting of 25, which is uncomfortable, then you should decrease to a setting of 22, which in this example is both noticeable and comfortable. Don’t worry if your settings are very low or very high; sensing stimulation at any level will likely be therapeutic.

Your sensation of stimulation may change throughout your therapy. The Patient Controller gives you the ability to adjust the stimulation strength. This way, you can maintain the stimulation setting that is most comfortable to you throughout your therapy process. If you no longer feel stimulation, ensure that the Inner and Outer electrodes are turned ON and increase stimulation strength(s) until stimulation is noticeable but still comfortable.

Contact Spark Biomedical Customer Success at (844) 654-SPRK (7775) if you do not feel stimulation at maximum settings.

The Sparrow Ascent Earpiece is disposable and can only be worn for up to 24 hours. Do not attempt to clean or reuse the Earpiece. Throw away used Earpieces by following your local ordinances and regulations for waste disposal.

The Sparrow Ascent Patient Controller and Cable can be cleaned and sanitized between uses. Do not submerge the devices or use corrosive substances to clean the devices.

To clean the Patient Controller, unplug the Cable and power the Patient Controller OFF. Wipe down the Patient Controller case with a lightly dampened cloth, then sanitize with a quaternary ammonium-based wipe, such as a Lysol disinfecting wipe. Use gentle pressure when wiping the Patient Controller buttons and screen.

To clean the Cable, unplug the Cable from the Patient Controller and wipe the Cable length and Cable Connecter case with a lightly dampened cloth. Sanitize the Cable length and Cable Connecter case with a quaternary ammonium-based wipe, such as a Lysol disinfecting wipe. Allow the Cable to fully dry before using.

See the Instructions for Use for more information on device maintenance, cleaning, and disposal.

Yes, the Sparrow Ascent Earpiece is latex free.

Turn Stimulation ON or OFF by selecting the toggle bars on the stimulation status screen. There are two toggle bars: one for the Inner Electrode and one for the Outer Electrode. Highlight the toggle bar with the cursor and press OK on the Patient Controller to flip the toggle bar switch from OFF to ON, or ON to OFF. When toggling stimulation ON, the toggle bar will toggle to the right and change from grey to green. Stimulation strength will then begin ramping up from 0 to the set stimulation strength (1–50).

When toggling stimulation OFF, the toggle bar will toggle to the left and change from green to grey. Stimulation strength will then begin ramping down to 0 over the next 3 seconds. Your stimulation strength settings will be saved for when you toggle therapy ON again.

You can adjust the set stimulation strength for the Inner or Outer electrodes even when stimulation is turned OFF. It’s best to toggle stimulation ON before increasing your current stimulation strength settings to ensure the setting is at a noticeable but comfortable level.

To adjust stimulation strengths for each electrode, highlight the strength setting (0–50) with the cursor and click the OK button on the Patient Controller. The strength setting (0–50) will flash, allowing you to increase or decrease the set stimulation strength. Press the plus (+) or minus (–) buttons until you reach your desired setting. Once at a noticeable but comfortable setting, click OK on the Patient Controller again to save your setting. The strength setting (0–50) will stop flashing once it is saved.

For more information on turning stimulation ON or OFF and setting your stimulation strength(s),

1. Refer to the Quick Start Guide included in the Sparrow Ascent Kit
2. Or visit SparrowRx.com/resources to
3. ~Download the Instructions for Use
4. ~Watch the Sparrow Ascent training video — Turning ON the Patient Controller

A 5-minute ON and 10-second OFF duty cycle is a default feature of stimulation output from the Patient Controller. This means that every 5 minutes, stimulation will ramp down and turn OFF for 10 seconds, then ramp back ON to the target stimulation strength. Because the nerves activated during therapy can accommodate to continuous stimulation, similar to building up a tolerance, the OFF portion of the duty cycle was designed to give the nerves a quick break to avoid accommodation.

If you do not feel stimulation, ensure that the Inner and Outer electrodes are turned ON. Green toggle bar(s) indicate stimulation is ON for that Electrode. Increase stimulation strength(s) until stimulation is noticeable.

Contact Spark Biomedical Customer Success at (844) 654-SPRK (7775) if you do not feel stimulation at maximum settings.

If you need additional payment options for Sparrow Ascent, you may consider applying for Advance Care – the quickest and easiest way to pay for treatments not covered by insurance. Advance Care combines low interest rates and flexibility to make financing simple and affordable.

Why Choose Advance Care?

• The process is simple and offers quick decisions.
• Co-signers may be used to increase chances of approval.
• Schedule your medical procedure as soon as you are approved.
• 6 or 14-month interest-free financing and competitive interest rates.
• Maximum flexibility
• No prepayment penalties
• No punitive late fees
• Unmatched customer service

Go to Advance Care to learn more and apply.

The List Price of the Sparrow Ascent Kit (Medical Device) is $4,500. However, just like any other prescription, the cost may vary depending on the physician and additional services provided.

Telehealth - Telehealth provider fees vary depending on the level of care they provide. However, they all offer an instant $1,000 rebate on Sparrow Ascent, so the cost of the device is only $3,500.

The Sparrow Ascent shipment comes with a total of 28 daily-disposable earpieces. However, your healthcare provider may prescribe additional Sparrow Ascent Earpieces for purchase if needed. A 7-pack of Earpieces costs $600.

Your Doctor - Your doctor will charge per-visit fees for diagnosis and status checks. They may also discount or upcharge for Sparrow Ascent.

A Rehab Facility - Rehab facilities fees will vary because they also charge for advanced care and medical services. They can also discount or upcharge for Sparrow Ascent as they see fit.  

Need Help with Payment?

If you need additional payment options for Sparrow Ascent, you may consider applying for Advance Care – the quickest and easiest way to pay for treatments not covered by insurance. Advance Care combines low interest rates and flexibility to make financing simple and affordable. Go to Advance Care to learn more and apply.

Patients can safely use the Sparrow Ascent in the comfort of their own home, at work, and during most daily activities. During the clinical trial, many patients also used Sparrow therapy while sleeping. However, should the Earpiece become loose or the Cable come unplugged during the night, you may experience a disruption in stimulation.

The Earpiece may not be making a connection with the skin, or the Earpiece adhesives could be worn out. When an earpiece is loose, the stimulation output level will automatically decrease. First, look in a mirror and ensure the electrodes are placed correctly. Then gently press the Earpiece to the skin to improve adherence at the Electrodes. Once resolved, you may increase stimulation to the previous strength. If this does not fix the problem or only fixes the problem temporarily, you may need to change the Earpiece.

For more information on applying the Earpiece and troubleshooting a loose Earpiece:

• Refer to the Quick Start Guide included in the Sparrow Ascent Kit
• Or visit SparrowRx.com/resources to
• ~Download the Instruction for Use
• ~Watch the patient training videos: Applying the Earpiece and Sparrow Ascent Troubleshooting — Loose Earpiece.

If you need further assistance, Contact Spark Biomedical Customer Success at (844) 654-SPRK (7775).

Many patients see the out-of-pocket investment in Sparrow Ascent as a significant saving over in-patient detox treatment.

If you need additional payment options for Sparrow Ascent, you may consider applying for Advance Care – the quickest and easiest way to pay for treatments not covered by insurance. Advance Care combines low interest rates and flexibility to make financing simple and affordable. Go to Advance Care to learn more and apply.

Do not use any part of the Sparrow Ascent in water settings, including in the shower, outside in the rain, or in other bodies of water. Avoid wearing the Earpiece in environments with high humidity, like in a steam room or shower, because this may shorten the 24-hour use life of the Earpiece.

The system has lost connection with the Earpiece or Patient Controller. Stimulation will automatically be turned OFF when the Cable is disconnected or when the Earpiece is removed. Stimulation will need to be manually turned back ON once the problem is resolved.

First, check to be sure the Cable Jack connection at the Patient Controller end is plugged in. Next, ensure the Earpiece end is inserted fully into the Cable connector and that each Electrode adheres to the skin.

Then, reinsert the Earpiece end into the Cable connector if the alert appears after turning stimulation back ON. This alert may appear if the Earpiece is loose and only one Electrode, Inner or Outer, is turned ON.

For more information on applying the Earpiece, connecting the Cable, and troubleshooting an Earpiece or Cable disconnection,

• Refer to the Quick Start Guide included in the Sparrow Ascent Kit
• Or visit SparrowRx.com/resources to
• ~Download the Instruction for Use
• ~Watch the patient training videos: Applying the Earpiece, Connecting the Cable, and Sparrow Ascent Troubleshooting — Cable or Earpiece Disconnection

If you need further assistance, contact Spark Biomedical Customer Success at (844) 654-SPRK (7775).

Speak to your care provider about prescribing additional Sparrow Ascent components for replacement or about whether further treatment is necessary. If you are not able to reach your care provider, contact Spark Biomedical Customer Success at (844) 654-SPRK (7775) for assistance. The following components are available for replacement or reorder at an additional cost:

• Sparrow Ascent Left Earpiece Kit: (7) Left Earpieces (7) Alcohol Wipes
• Sparrow Ascent Right Earpiece Kit: (7) Right Earpieces (7) Alcohol Wipes
• Sparrow Ascent Cable: (1) Sparrow Ascent Cable
• Sparrow Ascent Patient Controller Kit: (1) Patient Controller (1) Belt Clip (12) AAA batteries

When stimulation is ON and the Patient Controller is asleep, the LED in the top right corner will blink green once every 5 seconds to let you know that therapy is active. If the stimulation is interrupted, such as by a loose Earpiece or Cable disconnection, the LED will blink red once every 5 seconds to let you know that your system needs attention.

If you see a red blinking light, wake the Patient Controller to view the alert details. Press OK on the Patient Controller to clear the alert and return to the stimulation status screen. Follow recommended troubleshooting steps to resume therapy.

For information on troubleshooting alerts,

1. Refer to the Quick Start Guide included in the Sparrow Ascent Kit
2. Or visit SparrowRx.com/resources to
3. ~Download the Instructions for Use
4. ~Watch the training video Sparrow Ascent Troubleshooting — Cable or Earpiece Disconnection
5. ~Watch the training video Sparrow Ascent Troubleshooting — Loose Earpiece.

The batteries in the Patient Controller are very low. Your Patient Controller maybe able to turn ON, but the batteries are too depleted to power stimulation.Turn OFF the Patient Controller and insert new batteries before resuming stimulation.

Press and hold the power button for 3–5 seconds to turn the Patient Controller ON. If the Patient Controller does not turn ON, the Patient Controller may have low batteries or the batteries have been inserted in the wrong direction. Open the battery compartment on the Patient Controller and make sure that the AAA batteries are inserted correctly. If the batteries are inserted correctly and the Patient Controller still won’t turn ON, try inserting new batteries.

If you need further assistance, contact Spark Biomedical Customer Success at (844) 654-SPRK (7775).

Cleaning of the ear with alcohol wipes may cause skin irritation on dry, sensitive skin. Do not apply the Earpiece on skin where there is an open wound, rash, swelling, cut, sore, drug patch, or surgical scar present. This may result in discomfort, inadequate treatment, or a decreased therapeutic response.

Stop using the Earpiece until the skin irritation has resolved. To resolve skin irritation, apply dermatologist-recommended ointment for sensitive skin, such as Aquaphor healing ointment. Medicated ointments are not recommended. Contact your doctor if the irritation does not improve within 24 hours. Your doctor may also recommend switching to a Sparrow Ascent Earpiece designed for the other ear.

To resume therapy after skin irritation is resolved, discontinue the use of alcohol wipes and use a gentle cleansing wipe instead to prep the skin for Earpiece application. Apply dermatologist-recommended ointment for sensitive skin between daily Earpiece applications.

If you need further assistance, contact Spark Biomedical Customer Success at (844) 654-SPRK (7775).

The Patient Controller has detected an issue with the device and, for safety, has locked the device from use. Remove the batteries to turn OFF the Patient Controller.

The Patient Controller has a three-year service life from the date of manufacture. Contact Customer Success, Spark Biomedical’s dedicated Customer Success Team at (844) 654-SPRK (7775) to see whether your Patient Controller is eligible for replacement.

The Patient Controller has detected a system error resulting in the loss of therapy at one or more electrodes. Wake and unlock the Patient Controller and follow the alert message on screen for steps to resolve the error so that you can resume therapy. The LED will blink green once therapy has been resumed.

If no alert appears on screen, or you have already resolved your error but still see the RED light, turn OFF the Patient Controller. Wait 5 seconds, then turn the Patient Controller back ON.