Abstract: The invention is directed toward a method of reducing motion sickness comprising the steps of introducing cooled gas into a user's ear canal to reduce the temperature of the user's tympanic membrane and vestibular system. The gas is circulated in the user's inner ear, and then exhausted to the atmosphere. The cooled gas induces nystagmus in the user, promotes vestibular desensitization and resistance to motion sickness. The apparatus contemplated for the prevention of motion sickness has an earpiece having a conduit that dispenses cooled gas into the user's ear canal. Gas is provided by a gas source connected to the earpiece with flexible tubing.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward a non-chemical method of relieving motion sickness that first includes the step of refrigerating an enhanced earplug. The enhanced earplug has a first portion having a handle and connector. The second portion having a first end and a corresponding second end where the first end is affixed to the first portion through the connector. This second portion also includes a deformable bladder having a cavity and a quantity of coolant maintained within the deformable bladder. The second step is to insert the enhanced earplug into a user's ear canal through use of the handle. The third step is to cool the vestibular system of the user placing the coolant close to the ear drum. A fourth step includes removing the enhanced earplug. These four steps are repeated as necessary prior to engaging in an event, which could cause motion sickness.

Abstract: Binaural thermal-response differentials which are symptomatic of vertigo, particularly Meniere's disease, are treated by establishing a thermal treatment operative via liquid contact with at least one eardrum, thereby establishing a difference in thermal exposure of one ear with respect to the other. Portable apparatus of the invention enables the patient to apply his own therapy whenever he senses onset symptoms of an attack. In certain cases, the apparatus is also useful for prophylactic treatment on an intermittent basis, to foreclose or substantially reduce chances of an attack in periods between treatments.

Abstract: Binaural pressure-response differentials which are symptomatic of vertigo, particularly Meniere's disease, are therapeutically treated by establishing a thermal environment externally local to one ear drum with respect to the other, in the polarity sense which reduces such response differentials. For cases in which a nystagmus condition has developed, the invention utilizes observed nystagmus rate to provide automatic control of the locally applied thermal environment, in magnitude and duration suited to observed abatement of the nystagmus condition. Portable apparatus of the invention enables the patient to apply his own therapy whenever he senses onset symptoms of an attack.