Healing Sound is a startup that provides solutions for ear health. The CEO, Kang Jun-gu, a dentist, was inspired to develop 'Ear Nap' while treating patients to reduce noise and alleviate dental phobias. This product won an innovation award at the world's largest IT and consumer electronics show, 'CES 2025,' held in Las Vegas, USA, in January. It is set for commercialization in May this year, with an expected retail price of 150,000 won.
Ear Nap is a portable dual light therapy device designed to prevent and manage external otitis and middle ear infections, common ailments among modern people. It is used by inserting it into the ear like earphones. Users can adjust the treatment time (1 to 15 minutes) and intensity (1 to 3 levels) from the module that acts as the controller.
The company states that it helps shorten the treatment duration of ear infections, reduce occurrence rates, and decrease the frequency of visits to medical institutions. The 660 nanometer (nm) red light wavelength suppresses inflammatory responses, while the 940 nm near-infrared wavelength promotes blood circulation. Its portability makes it easy to use at home.
CEO Kang said, "It is designed to miniaturize the infrared therapy devices that are mounted on the walls in ear, nose, and throat clinics so that users can conveniently use them anywhere, anytime."
Ear Nap targets users of all ages who need ear health management. It is suitable for general adults who use earphones for extended periods, children frequently exposed to middle ear infections and external otitis, and middle-aged and elderly individuals who use hearing aids for long durations. Level 1 is for children or the elderly, Level 2 fits working professionals and scuba divers, and Level 3 is recommended for those with severe inflammation or tinnitus. The plan is to target general consumers through channels like ear, nose, and throat clinics, pharmacies, rehabilitation institutions, and scuba diving agencies.
He noted, "When you insert Ear Nap into your ear, it feels warm and has a relaxing effect. At first, there is no sensation, but after about 10 minutes, you can feel warmth in your ears and a sense of drowsiness. It's beneficial to use when stressed or taking a break."
Healing Sound has also ventured into developing an application (app) to add value to the Ear Nap hardware device. Initially, it has released a minimum viable product (MVP) through the 8th Seoul Innovation Challenge project.
CEO Kang stated, "We are creating a system that recommends programs for using Ear Nap, tracks usage records, and can share them with primary care physicians," adding, "We will build an MVP model with core functions and link the app and device within this year."
The company plans to introduce a product that helps treat rhinitis by applying the same principle to conduct therapy inside the nose this September. It is designed to manage both middle ear infections and rhinitis simultaneously, as it only requires plugging into the Ear Nap controller. There are also plans to develop products for maintaining ear health in pets. Kang believes there is demand for easy-to-manage products at home since pets have a high occurrence rate of external otitis and infrared therapy is commonly used in veterinary clinics.
He remarked, "As a startup, there are certainly many challenges, but I will make good use of collaboration opportunities to develop a variety of products," adding, "My goal is to contribute to people's healthy lives."