SCIENTIFICALLY SOUND

Sounds or vibrations traveling through matter such as air or the human body with frequencies between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz are detectable by the human ear and translated into acoustic stimuli. The audible sound range is bounded by inaudible infrasounds and ultra-sounds. 

Aside from music’s evocative potential, the vibrational properties of both audible and inaudible sounds reach deeper, to trigger biological responses through sensory skin and neuronal cells. 

In the skin, specialized receptors like Meissner and Pacinian corpuscles distributed across the entire body have the ability to sense vibrations. Collectively, these receptors–mapped as the Dermatomes–transmit vibrations to the somatosensory cortex, responsible with the auditory cortex for processing sounds and mediating neurological responses throughout many organs and systems.

THE POWER OF SOUND THERAPY

Sounds don’t just soothe the mind—they can move the body. Here is how their benefits go beyond mental health, reaching deep into the cognitive and physiological realms.

1. Bioacoustics focuses on how sound frequencies can influence biological systems. By targeting specific frequencies, this field aims to stimulate various organs and tissues, potentially inducing positive cellular adaptation supporting chronic pain relief, healing, and stress reduction.

Delivered through headphones or speakers, bioacoustics–and its most advanced application Brainwave Entrainment–aims to synchronize the brain’s natural electrical rhythms to specific sound frequencies to promote or treat the following conditions :

• Delta brainwaves : 0.5–4 Hz, deep sleep and unconsciousness. Prominent in brain injuries.
• Theta : 4–8 Hz, deep relaxation, daydreaming, and creativity. 
• Alpha : 8–12 Hz, relaxation and passive attention; light sleep. Considered to be the best brainwave for learning. 
• Beta : 12–35 Hz, higher anxiety and an active mind. 
• Gamma : 35–100 Hz, focus and concentration. 

Similarly, isochronic tones—like Solfeggio frequencies (174 to 963 Hz)—and binaural beats, an auditory illusion created by the frequency difference between sounds presented to each ear, are believed to promote relaxation, stress relief, and overall well-being. 

Here are some of the key players exploring bioacoustics in mental health and wellness :

• Alphabeats EEG headband and neuromodulating protocol to stimulate alpha brainwaves associated with relaxation and sleep. 
• ENDEL personalizes soundscapes based on users’ HR, bedtime, natural light levels, weather, and activity to enhance sleep, focus, and relaxation. Demonstrated to improve working-focus and decrease stress marginally more than music streaming.
• Evolutioner rhythmic soundwaves for brain entrainment, with claims to promote healing.
• Soaak low- and high-frequency sound blend to promote serotonin and dopamine release for relaxation, stress relief, and alertness.

2. Whole-Body Vibration Therapy

When low-frequency vibrations emitted by loudspeakers in enclosed spaces, vibration therapy extend beyond the auditory system, allowing sound waves to propagate through the body. Specific frequency ranges target different muscle groups: 30 to 68 Hz effectively stimulate larger muscles, while 52 to 88 Hz activate smaller ones.

Similarly to electrical or mechanical muscle vibration commonly used by athletes, sound vibration therapy could accelerate recovery, enhance muscle contractility & activation, and ultimately improve performance and prevent injury.

Building on these principles, the following key players are shaking the space, developing whole-body applications : 

• AudioVitality In-studio, AudioVitality uses proprietary Rubesa sounds (40 to 80hz) to induce involuntary muscle contraction and central nervous system (CNS) relaxation. Athletes experienced improved post-exercise recovery and sleep quality. A portable in-ear solution also harnesses a narrower range of frequencies to stimulate CNS, promote relaxation and lessen symptoms of Tinnitus.
• Similarly, TERSA sound-pods combine vibroacoustic and binaural beats & Solfeggio frequencies to promote meditation and recovery.
• While Ammortal adds pulsed-electromagnetic stimulation (PEMS), red-light, and hydrogen therapies to their all-inclusive sound chambers.

THE SOUND ADVANTAGE

While still undergoing scientific validation, sound-based approaches show great promise. Here are some of the most plausible areas where sounds and vibrations could unlock transformative applications.

• Neurological : neurogenesis (BDNF and GDNF) and improved cognitive functions; mood and depression (Dopamine and AcetylCh); vagal nerve stimulation.
• Cognitive : stimulates the predictive brain, strengthens memory and learning.
• Tinnitus : lowers symptoms and improves quality of life. 
• Mental health & Wellness : Reduces stress and anxiety, and enhances sleep.
• Hemodynamics : improves blood flow.
• Recovery : boosts HRV, muscle recovery, anti-inflammatory potential, and pain relief.
• Injury prevention & Rehabilitation : improves muscle elasticity, joint health, and overall conditioning.
• Sports Performance : benefits performance through improved focus and accelerated recovery.
• Longevity : Could likely benefit from the combinatorial effects of the aforementioned benefits. Additionally, auditory acuity in aging is linked to improved balance through the coordination of vestibular and visual systems, enhancing spatial orientation and overall healthspan. Hearing—and ear circumference—could serve as valid proxies for biological aging.

DRIVING THE WAVE

As science continues to validate the health and performance benefits of sound vibration, its potential applications are poised for rapid growth.

Here are some indicators demonstrating why it’s time to tune into this market:

• Rising demand for non-invasive solutions - Consumers are increasingly favoring non-invasive therapies such as  touchless massages, electromagnetic muscle stimulation (EMS), further driving interest in sound and vibration-based interventions.
• Increasing awareness of sound and vibration - Alternatives like music as medicine, vibration plate workouts, and vibration-compression for recovery are gaining recognition as key components to health and well-being. 
• Mental health still ranks as top wellness priority, and sound therapy has proven effective for reducing anxiety, improving mood, and relaxation. Techniques like brainwave entrainment are well-positioned to resonate with the wellness seekers.
• Easy integration into recovery routines as add-on to other therapies. 

Bioacoustics applications could be driving growth within the expanding sound therapy market, projected to reach $2.2 billion by 2032 with an 8% CAGR. 

Meanwhile, whole-body sound solutions—still in their infancy—remain largely unaccounted for in current market estimates. These innovations are likely to follow a similar growth trajectory, capturing a share of either the sound therapy or neuromodulation markets, the latter forecasted to grow 12% annually to $6 billion by 2032.

CHALLENGES AND CONSIDERATIONS

These early innovators lead the charge in sound vibration therapy, the growing popularity of the space is likely to attract new players, all fighting for air time.

Key challenges :

• Low Technological Moat - The range of frequencies and therapy protocols is vast, differentiation will remain a challenge.
• Consumer Adoption Trends - Portable, in-ear solutions currently outpace in-studio setups in accessibility and appeal.
• Clinical and Regulatory Hurdles - Demonstrating validity and navigating regulatory approvals, especially for applications emitting sonic vibrations for full-body effects, or those seeking  health claims, remains a significant barrier.

Despite these challenges, the future of sound wave therapy is promising.

Companies succeeding in demonstrating clinical validity, secure endorsements from professional athletes, or partnering with sports tech giants will be uniquely positioned to capitalize on this rapidly growing trend.

Then, sound therapy could well be a few steps away from being a recognized alternative to medicine in specific instances. 

Setting the tone for the future of wellness and health, the market is undeniably ripe for growth.