Motion sickness and our ears: What’s the link?
Motion sickness can easily take the joy out of travelling.
We all know someone who feels nauseous at the mere thought of a long car ride or boat trip. But is there really a connection between motion sickness and our ears?
What causes motion sickness?
Motion sickness—also known as cinétose or travel sickness—occurs when the brain receives conflicting information about movement from our sensory systems: the eyes, the vestibular system in the inner ear, and our proprioception (muscles and joints). These systems constantly inform the brain about the position of the head and body and help maintain balance.
When we move “actively” (that is, when our body propels itself), the brain can easily predict and align the visual cues, inner-ear signals, and muscular sensations.
But when we travel “passively” in a vehicle (boat, plane, train, car), things get out of sync. Our posture, what we see, and what the inner ear detects no longer match the combinations the brain expects. This sensory mismatch can trigger motion sickness in susceptible individuals. The same conflict can happen during simulated motion—for example, when using virtual reality headsets, playing video games, or watching fast-moving scenes in a movie while the body feels no acceleration.
Symptoms of motion sickness
Some researchers believe that the brain interprets this sensory conflict as a type of hallucination, similar to what might occur during poisoning. In response, the body activates a protective “anti-poison” reaction, which may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Excessive sweating
- Fatigue and drowsiness
- Dizziness and balance issues
- Pale skin
- Increased salivation
Precautions and treatments
Before traveling, it helps to eat a proper meal, stay well-hydrated (preferably with water), avoid alcohol and coffee, and make sure you’re well-rested.
During the trip, try to avoid reading or writing, take slow deep breaths, avoid loud music, get plenty of fresh air, take breaks to move around, look out the window and focus on a distant point, and continue to hydrate.
Several medications can prevent or ease motion sickness. Vestibular rehabilitation therapy can also be an effective long-term solution. Speak with your audiologist to learn more.
By Marilène Roy, audiologist
