Researchers at Nagoya University in Japan have discovered that a special type of sound can reduce motion sickness, offering a simple and safe solution to a problem that affects millions of people when they travel by car, boat, or plane.
The team, led by Takumi Kagawa and Masashi Kato at the Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, found that just one minute of exposure to this sound could help people feel less dizzy or nauseated—even while reading in a moving vehicle.
The findings were published in the journal Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine, and they highlight how sound may have a powerful effect on the body’s sense of balance.
The special sound, described as a “unique sound stimulation” or “sound spice,” works by targeting the inner ear—the part of the body responsible for detecting motion and helping us stay balanced.
When we experience motion sickness, it’s often because the signals from our eyes and inner ear don’t match. For example, if you’re reading a book in a moving car, your eyes are focused on still pages, but your inner ear senses movement. This mismatch confuses the brain and can lead to nausea and dizziness.
To reduce this problem, the research team created a sound that vibrates at 100 Hz, a frequency in the same range as normal everyday sounds. This specific sound stimulates the otolithic organs in the inner ear.
These small structures help detect movement and changes in position, such as when a vehicle starts or stops. By gently activating these organs, the sound appears to help the brain better process motion, improving balance and reducing discomfort.
To test their idea, the scientists invited volunteers to take part in experiments where they listened to the sound for one minute before experiencing motion through a swing, a driving simulator, or a car ride.
The researchers then measured how their bodies reacted—looking at balance, heart activity (through ECG readings), and their answers on a motion sickness questionnaire.
The results showed that those who listened to the unique sound felt fewer symptoms like lightheadedness and nausea. The participants also had better postural control and showed signs of improved sympathetic nerve activity. This part of the nervous system is often affected in people with motion sickness and controls how the body reacts to stress.
One of the best parts of this discovery is its safety. According to Kagawa, the sound levels used are well below noise safety limits and are similar to common environmental sounds, such as background office noise or a quiet conversation. That means there’s little risk, even with repeated or regular use.
“Our study demonstrated that short-term stimulation using a unique sound called ‘sound spice’ alleviates symptoms of motion sickness, such as nausea and dizziness,” Kagawa said. “This suggests the sound technology is both effective and safe.”
Kato added, “These results suggest that activation of sympathetic nerves, which are often dysregulated in motion sickness, was objectively improved by the unique sound exposure.”
This research opens the door to a new, non-invasive, drug-free way to manage motion sickness. Unlike medications, which can cause drowsiness or other side effects, this sound-based method is safe, easy to use, and works quickly. Just a minute of listening may offer relief—making it practical for daily use during travel.
The idea of using sound to stimulate balance systems in the inner ear is also part of a growing field exploring how sensory inputs can influence body systems beyond hearing.
Previous research has hinted that the inner ear can be influenced by certain sound frequencies to improve balance, but this study is one of the first to show clear benefits for motion sickness in both lab and real-world settings.
Next, the researchers hope to develop this technology for everyday use—perhaps building it into headphones or mobile apps that people can use before or during travel. They also plan to test it in different types of travel environments, including air and sea, where motion sickness is also common.
If future studies confirm these findings, this technology could offer real relief for anyone who struggles with nausea while traveling—especially people who want a fast and side-effect-free solution.
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The research findings can be found in Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine.
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