A research team from Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine has found a simple and safe way to reduce motion sickness using a special sound. The technique involves exposing the inner ear to a unique sound wave, called sound spice, for just one minute.
The study, led by Takumi Kagawa and Masashi Kato, showed that this short exposure eased symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Participants who listened to the sound before reading in a moving vehicle or riding in a simulator experienced less discomfort than usual.
The key lies in how the sound affects the inner ear, particularly the otolithic organs that help detect motion and gravity. Vibrations from the 100 Hz sound stimulate the vestibular system, which plays a crucial role in maintaining balance and spatial orientation.
Tests on both mice and humans confirmed that this unique sound improved postural control and reduced motion sickness symptoms. Researchers used ECG data and questionnaires to measure its impact.
They also found that the sound positively affected the sympathetic nervous system, which can become unbalanced during motion sickness.
Importantly, the sound level used is within everyday environmental noise limits and falls well below workplace noise safety standards, making it safe for short-term use.
The researchers hope this technology could be used in cars, planes, and boats to help travelers manage motion sickness. Further development is underway to bring it into practical use.
Bd-pratidin English/FNC
