Research at Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine has led to a groundbreaking discovery that a unique sound, known as “sound spice,” can alleviate symptoms of motion sickness, such as nausea and dizziness.
The study, conducted by a team led by Dr. Takumi Kagawa and Dr. Masashi Kato, found that even a single minute of exposure to this sound was enough to reduce discomfort felt by participants in a moving vehicle.
Key Findings
- Participants who listened to the unique sound experienced a significant reduction in symptoms of motion sickness, such as nausea and dizziness.
- The sound level required for effective stimulation fell within the range of everyday environmental noise exposure.
- Short-term stimulation with sound spice can be a safe and effective way to alleviate motion sickness symptoms.
The researchers identified a unique sound at 100 Hz as being the optimal frequency for stimulation. This frequency stimulates the part of the inner ear associated with balance, known as the otolithic organs.
“Vibrations at this unique sound stimulate the otolithic organs in the inner ear, which detect linear acceleration and gravity,” explained Dr. Kato.
The Science Behind Sound Spice
- The vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation, was broadly activated by the sound stimulation.
- The activation of sympathetic nerves, which are often dysregulated in motion sickness, was objectively improved by the sound exposure.
“These results suggest that a unique sound stimulation can broadly activate the vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation,” added Dr. Kato.
Methods and Results
| Method | Result |
|---|---|
| Postural control | Promoted balance and stability in participants. |
| ECG readings | Indicated reduced heart rate and heart rate variability. |
| Motion Sickness Assessment Questionnaire | Rated lower motion sickness scores. |
“The health risk of short-term exposure to our unique sound is minimal,” said Dr. Kagawa.
“Given that the stimulus level is well below workplace noise safety standards, this stimulation is expected to be safe when used properly,” added Dr. Kato.
Potential Applications
The researchers plan to further develop the technology with the aim of practical application for a variety of travel situations, including air and sea travel.
“The discovery of sound spice is an important expansion of recent findings about sound and its effect on the inner ear. It has the potential to greatly benefit millions of people who suffer from motion sickness,” said Dr. Kagawa.
“Our study demonstrated that short-term stimulation using a unique sound called’sound spice’ alleviates symptoms of motion sickness, such as nausea and dizziness,” said Dr. Kagawa.
“The effective sound level falls within the range of everyday environmental noise exposure, suggesting that the sound technology is both effective and safe,” added Dr.
