SoundHealth has launched SONU, an AI-enabled wearable device for at-home treatment of nasal congestion due to allergic and non-allergic rhinitis in adults.

The over-the-counter device has received De Novo classification from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and uses acoustic resonance therapy to alleviate symptoms.

SONU operates by generating personalised acoustic vibrations that target nasal congestion, offering a safe alternative to pharmaceutical treatments.

The accompanying SONU app scans the user's face to map their sinuses and determine the optimal frequencies for treatment.

Once the device is activated, the SONU band emits resonant sound waves to stimulate nasal nerves, leading to decreased swelling and improved mucus clearance.

Furthermore, SoundHealth has secured $7m in seed funding to boost the device's marketing efforts and pursue regulatory approval for additional uses.

The investment round was led by Moai Capital and J4 Ventures, with contributions from TeleSoft Partners, TechU Ventures, Tau Ventures, Rhythm Venture Capital and Peter Moran.

Moran said: “SONU is using the latest medical science to provide a game-changing and liberating alternative treatment for nasal congestion. Investors are increasingly looking for high-efficacy solutions to many maladies without the side effects of pharmaceutical approaches.”

SoundHealth founder and CEO Dr Paramesh Gopi said: “We are delighted to announce the close of our seed-round investment — the proceeds of which will be used for product launch and advancing our pipeline of indications for the SONU device.

“Our groundbreaking technology provides the first FDA-authorised, non-pharmaceutical medical device treatment option for nasal congestion due to allergic and non-allergic rhinitis.”