Samsung’s Hearapy App Uses Sound to Ease Motion Sickness on Android

Samsung has introduced an innovative approach to tackling motion sickness with its new Android app, Hearapy. Designed for travellers who frequently struggle with nausea during journeys, the app takes a non-medical route by using sound-based therapy to improve comfort on the move.

Now available on the Google Play Store, Hearapy focuses on leveraging specific audio frequencies to support the body’s balance system. Instead of relying on pills or traditional remedies, Samsung’s solution aims to provide relief through a simple listening experience.

According to the app’s description, Hearapy is built around the idea that sound can influence the human sense of balance. It states that a “clear 100 Hz bass sine tone stimulates your sense of balance and helps you feel better on the go.” This concept targets the vestibular system—located in the inner ear—which plays a critical role in maintaining balance and spatial orientation.

The app works by playing a low-frequency 100Hz sine wave through connected headphones. Users are advised to listen to this tone for about 60 seconds. This short session is believed to activate the balance system and help reduce the discomfort commonly associated with travel, such as dizziness and nausea. Users also have the flexibility to adjust the playback duration anywhere between 40 and 120 seconds, depending on their needs.

Samsung claims that listening for a full minute can offer relief from motion sickness symptoms for up to two hours. If symptoms return, the process can be repeated, making it a convenient option for long journeys. While the app is compatible with most headphones, the company notes that it performs best when paired with its Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, which are better equipped to deliver the required sound quality.

The idea behind Hearapy is not entirely new but is supported by scientific research. The Verge reports that Samsung drew inspiration from a study conducted by Nagoya University in Japan. The research suggested that certain sound wavelengths could reduce “the staggering and discomfort” experienced in moving vehicles. This finding laid the groundwork for using audio stimulation as a potential remedy for motion sickness.

However, Samsung acknowledges that the app is not a guaranteed solution for everyone. Its effectiveness can vary depending on several factors, including the quality of the headphones used and their ability to produce sound within the optimal range of 80 to 85 decibels. Proper audio output is crucial for achieving the intended results.

With Hearapy, Samsung is exploring a fresh, technology-driven way to address a widespread issue that affects millions of travellers worldwide. While it may not completely replace traditional remedies, the app offers a promising alternative for those seeking a quick and non-invasive solution to motion sickness.