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A research team led by Takumi Kagawa and Masashi Kato of the Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine has discovered that a unique acoustic wave stimulation technology-a device that stimulates the inner ear with sounds of specific wavelengths-can alleviate motion sickness (such as car sickness and seasickness). Even just one minute of stimulation reduced the shaky feeling and discomfort experienced by people reading in a moving vehicle.
The findings, published in the journal Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, offer a simple and effective way to treat this common condition.
"Our study shows that short-term stimulation using a unique sound wave called 'sound spice' can alleviate motion sickness symptoms such as nausea and dizziness," Kagawa said. "The effective sound levels were within the range of daily ambient noise exposure, suggesting that this sound technology is both effective and safe."
This discovery is an important extension of recent research on sound and its effects on the inner ear. There is growing evidence that stimulating balance-related areas of the inner ear with specific sound waves may improve balance. Using mouse models and human studies, the researchers identified 100 Hz as the optimal stimulation frequency.
"The vibrations of specific sound waves stimulate the otolith organs in the inner ear, which sense linear acceleration and gravity," Kato explained. "This suggests that sound wave stimulation can broadly activate the vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation."
To test the device's effectiveness, they recruited volunteers who, after receiving sound wave stimulation, induced motion sickness by riding on a swing, in a driving simulator, or in a car. The researchers assessed the effects of the stimulation through postural control, electrocardiogram readings, and results of a motion sickness assessment questionnaire.
Receiving sound wave stimulation before a driving simulation increased sympathetic nerve activity, and researchers found that common motion sickness symptoms like dizziness and nausea were alleviated.
"These results suggest that acoustic stimulation can objectively improve the sympathetic nervous system dysfunction commonly seen in patients with motion sickness," Kato said.
"Short-term exposure to our special sound waves poses minimal health risks," Kagawa said. "Given that the volume of the stimulation is well below workplace noise safety standards, this stimulation should be safe when used correctly."
Their findings suggest this is a safe and effective way to improve motion sickness symptoms, potentially helping millions of people who suffer from it. The researchers plan to further develop this technology, aiming for its application in various travel scenarios, including aviation and sailing.
More information: Yishuo Gu et al, Just 1-min exposure to a pure tone at 100 Hz with daily exposable sound pressure levels may improve motion sickness, Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1265/ehpm.24-00247
Information source: medicalxpress
Note: This article is reprinted from 21dB Acoustics