INSIDE-OUT: An Innovative Sound Technology for Altering Interoceptive Signals

Because of the importance of the insula network in interoceptive processing—the Insula Hierarchical Modular Adaptive Interoception Control model suggests that the insula plays a key role in being aware of feelings and bodily states—the project hypothesizes that stimulating the insula with low-frequency sounds will be able to alter interoceptive processing at the cortical level, causing a chain of effects on the interoceptive system. According to this interpretation, the primary goal of the project is to create a wearable device that can generate and modulate low-level bone-transmitted frequencies to create a variety of synthetic click trains. The duration and variety of frequencies will be able to be adjusted via the device's interface. It will be possible to alter one's experience of internal states, emotions, and feelings by using these noninvasive techniques to stimulate the insula selectively. The lack of adequate technology to train interoception has been repeatedly highlighted, and dysfunctional interoception is now seen as a crucial aspect of mental health. According to this theory, interoceptive technology will allow scientists to explore further the roots of interoception and multisensory integration. The interoceptive technology developed for this project will also serve as a useful therapeutic resource for the assessment and treatment of mental health conditions. The research and application of the proposed interoceptive sound technology could lead to effective noninvasive treatments for mental health conditions associated with impairments in interoceptive processing. This could have profound implications for individuals suffering from conditions in which interoceptive processing is impaired, such as anxiety disorders, chronic pain, and eating disorders. In addition, targeted activation of the insula could potentially enhance the efficacy of therapeutic interventions that focus on improving interoceptive awareness and self-regulation. The INSIDE-OUT project aims to develop and test a new noninvasive technology that uses sound and vibration to activate the insular network selectively to modulate interoceptive processing. As technology continues to advance, the development of sonoceptive systems designed to modify our internal body perception has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach health and well-being.