That One-Minute "Magic Sound" That Eases Motion Sickness!
Do you always feel dizzy and nauseous when you're in a car, on a boat, or wearing a VR headset? It's not you being sensitive – it's basically your ears and your eyes having a disagreement. What your eyes see and what your inner ears sense don't match up, confusing your brain and making you feel sick. Most people pop motion sickness pills, but let's be honest, they don't always work great and can make you sleepy. Others try to distract themselves by listening to music, watching movies, or eating snacks. But now, there's a pretty cool new trick: a little-known app called MotionEaseTune.
Science Found: Listening to 100Hz Sound for 1 Minute Helps
Scientists from Nagoya University in Japan discovered that listening to a low-frequency 100Hz pure tone for just 1 minute before your trip can significantly reduce dizziness and nausea. Their data shows it helps about 70% to 80% of people feel noticeably better.
Why Does It Work? The Simple Explanation.
The 100Hz low-frequency sound stimulates the "otolith organs" in your inner ear, which are responsible for balance. It's like a quick warm-up for your balance system (the vestibular system). This helps your brain get more consistent signals, so it's less likely to get confused and make you dizzy. Think of it as a mini-massage for your inner ear.
The Tool: MotionEaseTune (Free & Open-Source)
A developer from China, BHznJNs, made a simple tool called MotionEaseTune that plays this 100Hz sound. It's super easy: open the app, put on your headphones, and play the sound for 1 minute. The app is completely open-source under the GPL-3.0 license, meaning anyone can download it for free, use it, or even tweak the code. Right now, there's only an Android APK file available for download. It looks like the app was built using Flutter, so if you're a developer, you could probably build an iOS version yourself. The app has already had about 15 updates, which shows the developer is active, so maybe an iOS version is coming soon.
What Phones Can Run It?
Most mainstream Android phones from the last 5 years should work fine (phones with Snapdragon 6/7/8 series, Dimensity, or Kirin 9 series chips, etc.). I tested it on a phone running Android 14 and didn't run into any bugs or errors. The interface is clean and simple. Even though the developer is from China, the app isn't bloated with unnecessary features or permission requests like some other Chinese apps can be. It's lightweight, at about 14MB, so it's definitely worth a try.
How To Use It? Just 4 Steps.
1. Open MotionEaseTune and plug in your headphones.
2. Adjust the volume so it's about the same in both ears.
3. Set the volume to around 60%-70% of your normal listening level.
4. Play the 100Hz audio and listen for at least 1 full minute. Then you're good to get in the car or put on your VR headset.
MotionEaseTune Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is there a desktop version? | No, only an Android version is available. |
| Is it easy to use? | Very easy—just open the app and play the sound for 1 minute. |
| Can elderly people use it? | Yes, it's simple to operate, safe, and has no side effects. |
| Can it be installed on older phones? | Most Android phones support it. The app is lightweight and uses minimal resources. |
| Will it make me drowsy? | No, it contains no medication—just pure auditory stimulation. |
| Can it improve or cure insomnia? | No. This app lacks scientific evidence to address insomnia and is specifically designed for motion sickness. |
| Can I use it without headphones? | Headphones are recommended for better results. It can be heard without them, but effectiveness will be reduced. |
| Can it completely cure motion sickness? | No, it only alleviates symptoms and does not cure motion sickness. |
| Can I listen to it regularly? | Yes, but it's unnecessary. It's generally used for prevention before motion sickness occurs. |
| Which Android systems does it support? | Tested and supported on Android 10 to Android 14 with no significant bugs or errors detected. |
| What are some similar alternative apps? | Examples include Dramamine App, Seatrekker, AntiMotion VR, etc. |
| What are the pros and cons of this app? | Pros: Simple, free, open-source, easy to use, provides quick relief from motion sickness, no side effects. Cons: Currently only available for Android, does not cure motion sickness, effectiveness varies by individual. |
Personal Test & Suggestions
A relative of mine tried this recently before a long car trip and said it helped a lot with their motion sickness. Results can vary – some friends felt a huge difference, others felt it less – but since it's safe and free, spending just 60 seconds to try it before you travel is totally worth it.
Quick Tips
Don't crank the volume too high. Make sure you finish listening *before* you start your journey. In my experience, it helps a great deal but doesn't completely eliminate motion sickness. If you get really severe motion sickness, it's always best to talk to a doctor or a specialist.