Can Acupuncture Help Hearing Loss Symptoms?

Sensorineural hearing loss is the most common type of hearing loss and is usually attributed to the normal process of aging, injury, excessive noise, medication, or disease. Hearing researchers are still working on methods to repair sensorineural hearing loss.  Some people consider seeking alternative therapy like acupuncture.

Traditional Chinese medical acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years in Chinese medicine and has been used to cure many different illnesses.  It is even used to help manage sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus: the experience of hearing ringing in the ears. However, there is no scientific evidence that acupuncture is effective in treating hearing loss.

If you are experiencing conductive hearing loss or mixed hearing loss. Acupuncture most likely will not be the treatment you want to seek.

Symptoms of sensorineural hearing loss can include: 

• Dizziness
• Muffled sounds
• Stuffed ear sensations
• Sudden or steady loss of hearing
• Experiencing a ringing in the ears
• Increasing the volume of music or television

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese therapy that involves placing tiny needles into specific areas in the body. Using this precise manner of therapy, it is believed that acupuncture encourages the body’s natural ability to heal itself by stimulating the nervous system. These internal systems release chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain.  This triggers the release of hormones and other chemicals into the body, which stimulates the healing process.

The Chinese have been using this method of healing for a long time, but western medicine critics suggest that more research is needed to understand how acupuncture works on the brain and body. There is some evidence that acupuncture can help with certain hearing loss symptoms, but there is nothing conclusive.

In What Ways Can Acupuncture Help with Hearing Loss?

It is not fully understood how acupuncture helps with hearing loss, but there are a few theories available as an attempt to understand the relationship between acupuncture and your health, including your hearing.

1. Increased blood flow: Acupuncture may improve blood flow to the ear which can improve hearing function. When blood flow increases, more oxygen and nutrients are delivered throughout the body, including the ear. This could promote and improve health.
2. Reduced inflammation: Inflammation is believed to have a negative impact on hearing. Inflamed tissue can keep the ear from properly signaling the brain or affect the nerves that signal the brain. Acupuncture may help reduce inflammation in the ear and surrounding tissues.  Reduced inflammation can improve hearing function.
3. Nervous system stimulation: Acupuncture may help improve the communication between the nervous system and the brain which could improve hearing as well.

The evidence for acupuncture and hearing loss is still limited. However, some studies show that acupuncture can be effective in the treatment of hearing loss when combined with traditional treatment.

Is Acupuncture Right for Me?

Although acupuncture has been used by Chinese medicine practitioners for treating hearing loss and deafness, most medical professionals believe that more studies need to be done to provide scientific evidence. Like with many alternative therapies, the answer is, acupuncture might help. There is a low risk to acupuncture, although there is a slight chance the needles could lead to infection. Acupuncture can be expensive and usually isn’t covered by health insurance.

If you are considering acupuncture for hearing loss, make an appointment with your local audiologist to get a proper evaluation and diagnosis. You will be able to discuss the effectiveness of acupuncture as part of your treatment plan.

During your hearing evaluation, you can expect your audiologist to take your medical history, provide a physical exam, and evaluate your hearing loss. They will be able to tell you what type of hearing loss you have and identify any underlying causes or symptoms you are experiencing. 

It’s important to seek the advice of a qualified audiologist who can help determine the root cause of your hearing loss.  Acupuncture only treats one type of hearing loss. With the proper evaluation, you will get the right treatment. Most hearing evaluations take a holistic approach and multiple areas of your hearing health are tested by proven methods and with the most technological equipment.

Your audiologist can help you choose which hearing aids will help treat your hearing loss and provide you with a professional fitting. They will help you understand what your insurance covers and provide you with a financial plan that fits your budget.

At El Dorado Hearing, we understand that hearing loss is a life change and may be difficult to adjust to. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality hearing care. We will listen to you so you can hear again.