Washington D.C., [USA], April 11 (ANI): Researchers have found that employing an apparatus which emits a particular frequency of sound into the inner ear can lessen motion sickness symptoms.
A mere sixty seconds of exposure to a distinct sound, referred to as ‘sound spice,’ was enough to decrease the dizziness and unease experienced by individuals tasked with reading documents inside a moving vehicle. These results indicate an uncomplicated and efficient method for mitigating this widespread issue.
A team headed by Takumi Kagawa and Masashi Kato from the Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine conducted the research.
“The research we conducted showed that brief exposure to a distinctive sound known as ‘Sound Spice®’ helps reduce symptoms of motion sickness including nausea and vertigo,” stated Kagawa.
“The measured sound levels align with typical environmental noise exposures, indicating that the sound technology is both efficient and safe,” noted Kagawa.
This discovery is an important expansion of recent findings about sound and its effect on the inner ear.
Growing evidence indicates that activating the portion of the inner ear linked to equilibrium through a specific auditory stimulus might enhance balance function. In their study involving both mice and human subjects, scientists pinpointed 100 Hz as the most effective frequency for this purpose.
Kato elaborated, “The distinct vibrations activate the otolithic organs within the inner ear, responsible for sensing linear acceleration and gravitational forces.”
“This suggests that a unique sound stimulation can broadly activate the vestibular system, which is responsible for maintaining balance and spatial orientation” added Kato.
To evaluate the efficacy of these devices, they enlisted willing subjects who listened to distinctive sounds. Afterward, motion sickness was triggered using either a swinging movement, a driving simulation, or actual vehicular travel.
The researchers used postural control, ECG readings, and
Motion Sickness
Results from the assessment questionnaire to gauge the efficacy of the stimulation.
The research team discovered that symptoms like “dizziness” and “queasiness,” commonly associated with motion sickness, were reduced.
Kato stated that these findings indicate the activation of sympathetic nerves, typically impaired in motion sickness, was demonstrably enhanced through the distinctive sound exposure.
As per Kagawa, the health risk associated with brief exposure to our distinctive sound is negligible.
As the stimulus intensity is significantly lower than the thresholds set for workplace noise safety, this stimulation should be considered safe provided it is used correctly.
Their findings indicate a secure and efficient method to alleviate motion sickness, which could assist millions of affected individuals. The team intends to advance this technology further with the objective of applying it practically across different modes of transportation such as flying and sailing. (ANI)
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