NOICE vs. Nothing | Thermode

NOICE vs. Nothing | Thermode: A Prospective, Randomized, Crossover Study

The purpose of this study is to test whether the non-visual immersive technologies, which uses spatial audio simulation, can help people better tolerate heat pain. As a proof-of-concept study, study team will use the NOICE device. This research is not studying the NOICE device specifically and the device is not a medical device.

This study addresses the research gap in understanding how spatial audio impacts pain perception, specifically heat pain, in clinical settings. It is important to explore this because spatial audio may serve as a non-pharmaceutical, immersive alternative to traditional visual-based distraction methods like virtual reality.

The investigators hypothesize that participants using the spatial audio simulation device will report an increased heat pain threshold compared to not using the device. This knowledge could improve information on the perception of pain for participant who prefer not to use VR headsets.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages 18 years and older
• English-speaking
• Intact hearing
• No self-reported or clinically diagnosed acute or chronic medical conditions that affect safe participation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use chronotropic heart medications
• Use pain medications
• Current hearing loss
• Currently taking beta blockers, or opioids or other prescription pain medications
• History of chronic pain or acute pain syndromes
• Current hearing loss