Hearing Disorders

Overview

Hearing disorders impact nearly 30,000,000 individuals in the United States from all age groups. In addition to causing hearing difficulties, some hearing problems can also trigger balance problems. According to research, loss of hearing is not only related to old age but also to other contributing factors. Sixty percent of men and women in their late teens-late twenties, for example, have been found to have a diminished capability to hear in the upper frequency range, a figure that was unheard of just a few years ago. Professionals of holistic and alternative treatment attribute the increase in hearing disorders within the U.S. and other industrialized countries to numerous aspects of the modern way of life, such as the extreme use of pharmaceutical drugs, food allergies, toxins in the environment, and contemporary technologies for example earphones, iPods, etc.

Types of Hearing Problems and Their Symptoms

Symptoms of hearing disorders vary according to the nature of the disorder, but can include earache, ear discomfort, inflammation or stuffiness inside the ear, and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Additional symptoms include balance difficulties such as lightheadedness and vertigo, hearing loss, as well as nerve damage within the ear. What follows are overviews of the most common types of hearing disorders as well as their particular symptoms.

Hearing Pain: Ear pain, also called earache, is characterized by pain in the middle ear, usually due to fluid or wax buildup and the resulting stress that it places upon the Eustachian tube. Narrowing of the Eustachian tube can ultimately hinder the proper flow of ear fluid, setting the stage for bacterial infection. When infection happens it can cause temporarily diminished hearing, as well as additional hearing pain and fever.

Hearing problems: There are two types of hearing loss—conductive and sensory. Conductive hearing problems are associated with a loss of hearing in the external and/or middle ear, while sensory hearing loss is attributed to difficulties in the inner hear, especially damage to or deterioration of the cochlea or even the loss of cells in the internal tube which transmits sound to the hearing nerves. Both types of hearing loss can be sudden or develop over time. In some cases, conductive hearing loss may also be recurring, generally due to chronic ear bacterial infections or stress.

Caution: Just about all forms of hearing problems require immediate medical attention.

Meniere’s Disease: Meniere’s disease is a serious hearing disorder characterized by balance problems, dizziness, vertigo, and in many cases partial hearing loss. Meniere’s disease may also trigger nausea, vomiting, and sudden, sometimes chaotic, flare-ups of symptoms that may last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours. Hearing is lost following each assault, it returns, but is diminished each time. As this pattern continues, episodes of Meniere’s disease become less frequent and may cease altogether once the loss of hearing is complete.

Otitis Media: Otitis media, the main cause of hearing loss among children, affects the middle ear. Each year in the United States, 2 million dollars is spent on drug treatments and surgery for otitis media, which unfortunately never addresses the main causes of the problem. The primary surgery for otitis media which is administered to one million kids in the U.S. each year, involves inserting tubes into the tympanic membranes of the ear to improve water flow of ear fluid. This procedure frequently does not work, and can also significantly increase the risk of bacterial ear infections, leading to further hearing problems as well as the need for extra surgeries and/or even antibiotic drugs.

Symptoms often include earache, ear pain, impaired hearing, allergies, chills, fever, infection of the upper respiratory tract, irritability, and inflammation and irritation of the middle ear and eardrum. Otitis media can either be acute or chronic.

Caution: Left untreated, cases associated with chronic otitis media infection in the middle ear can lead to meningitis, a dangerous health that affects the walls of the brain and spinal cord.

Tinnitus: Ringing in the ears is a listening disorder that is primarily seen as a continuous ringing and/or hissing sounds in the ear that can sometimes be accompanied by earache or ear discomfort. In some cases, lightheadedness and vertigo can also occur.

Extreme caution: People suffering from tinnitus must seek medical assistance to determine if their condition is caused by anemia, heart disease (arteriosclerosis), and/or high blood pressure.

Causes of Hearing Disorders

Common causes of hearing disorders are allergies, anti-biotic and other drug use, the buildup of earwax, infection and inflammation, and persistent exposure to loud noises.

Allergies: Both food and environmental allergies can cause or exacerbate hearing disorders, and are especially connected to the increased incidence of otitis media during the last few decades. Common foods that can trigger allergic responses include milk and dairy products, corn, chocolate, sugars, and wheat as well as wheat by products. Common environmental triggers include pet dander, dirt, and mildew, especially in the bed room. Other allergy related problems, such as bronchial asthma, eczema, hay fever, and hives, may also be associated with hearing disorders. Allergenic substances negatively impact the ear by increasing the chance of infection as well as causing swelling and inflammation.

Antibiotics and Other Drugs: The overuse of antibiotics and other drugs is also associated with the increase of hearing disorders. This is particularly true of otitis media, which is generally treated with antibiotics prescribed by conventional doctors. In fact, more than 40% of all antibiotic prescriptions for children in the U.S. are made to treat otitis media. However, research has found that, while antibiotics can be necessary for some cases associated with otitis press, nearly 90% of antibiotic use is unwarranted. In addition, using antibiotics with regard to otitis press has been shown to increase the incidence and frequency of recurring otitis media episodes.

Similar side effects are said to occur in children who are recommended antibiotics for chronic earache and hearing pain. Not only have antibiotics been found to be little better than a placebo with regard to treating ear pain in children, but they have also been shown to improve the risk of excessive ear fluid associated with recurring earaches, and bacterial ear
infections.

The late William Criminal, M.D., writer of “The Yeast Connection,” additionally found antibiotic use leads to infections (systemic candidiasis) and inhibits the defense mechanisms. As a result, a vicious cycle is established in which antibiotics used to deal with ear and hearing conditions lead to defense suppression as well as candidiasis, which in turn leads to additional bouts with hearing problems.

Alternative and holistic doctors, recognizing the risks of antibiotic use, will only consider antibiotics for ear infections that have spread either to the mastoid bone behind the ear, or to the membranes known as the meninges that cover the mind and spinal-cord.

Other pharmaceutical drugs may also cause or exacerbate hearing disorders, including aspirin and diuretic drugs used to treat conditions associated with water retention, such as edema. Chemotherapy may also cause hearing problems, in addition to a number of other serious side effects.

Excessive Earwax Buildup: Although a certain amount of earwax buildup inside the ear is common and necessary for keeping the ear channel clean and damp, excessive buildup can result in a host of ear difficulties, including earache, hearing problems, ear infections, inflammation, as well as dizziness. Food and environmental allergies often play a role in earwax accumulation, as does poor hygiene and failure to properly clean the ears regularly using cotton swabs. (See, “How Should I Thoroughly clean My Ear?” for secure ear swabbing techniques.) The use of antibiotics is also likely involved.

Infection as well as Inflammation: Both infection and inflammation are frequently involved in hearing disorders. Infections can occur as a result of the use of pharmaceutical drugs, swimming and/or bathing in dirty water or water which has high amounts of chlorine. Exposure to bacteria, fungi, and viruses is also a common cause. Infections related to hearing problems can also be due to pre-existing health problems, including allergic reactions, cancer, candidiasis, diabetes, and other chronic defense conditions.

Irritation of the ear can occur as a result of physical trauma to the ear, as well as the unacceptable use of 100% cotton swabs for ear cleansing or as a result of foreign objects being placed in the ear (the fairly common occurrence among young kids).

Loud Sound: An estimated 33% of all hearing problems are primarily caused as a result of repeated contact with loud noise (anything over a decibel level of eighty to eighty-five). In some cases, sound can cause long term deafness. Sources of loud sound include airplanes, especially throughout takeoff, large construction machinery, regular attendance at, rap, rock and roll, and heavy metal concerts (in addition to playing in bands which perform such music); as well as listening to songs played loudly over stereo systems, Walkmans, MP3 players, and apple ipods (using headphones for this purpose can significantly increase the risk of hearing disorders, as well as increase ear infections). Loud noise, particularly if it is sudden and unexpected, can cause instant harm to the ear, impairing hearing by ripping the tissues of the ear.

Note: If you work in the loud or noisy environment consider using ear plugs or ear muffs, which must be provided by your employer according to government regulations.

Other Causes of Hearing Disorders: Additional possible causes of hearing disorders include perforation of any part of the middle ear, smoking (because smoking impairs blood circulation), swimming regularly in chlorinated pools (swimmer’s ear), autoimmune and metabolic health conditions, harmless tumors, and vascular damage. Chronic dehydration can also cause or aggravate hearing problems, as can early bottle-feeding of infants instead of breastfeeding. Tempro-mandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome can also be a factor.

Organic Cures

Oral Integration Training: Auditory Integration Training is a form of therapy that has been proven to be highly effective with regard to resolving hearing disorders associated with hearing loss, sensitivity to high-frequency sounds, and hearing problems associated with behavioral and developmental problems. This part of oral therapy was created by French physicians Alfred Tomatis, M.D., and Guy Berard, E.D.T., both of whom developed a technique which bears their name.

The Tomatis Method uses an electronic gadget known as the Electronic Ear to help train the listener to make a deeper link between language, listening, and learning. Dr. Tomatis thought that hearing problems can originate in response to both emotional and physical trauma that may interfere with a person’s ability to properly connect with senses, language, and learning. Professionals of the Tomatis Method use the Electronic Ear to produce types of sounds that their clients listen to in order to recreate critical stages of their hearing development.

Utilizing specific audiotapes associated with music as well as voice that are played to the Electronic Ear and then filtered to produce high as well as low-frequency sounds. Tomatis practitioners help to stimulate the brain to ensure that clients learn to master the developmental phases of listening. Over time, the reduced-frequency sounds tend to be gradually eliminated so that the high frequencies can further stimulate the brain. Another technique has clients speak into the Digital Ear using a microphone to enable them to listen to their own voice as a means of establishing proper audio-vocal control. The Tomatis Technique can provide substantial benefits for a variety of hearing disorders, such as childhood deafness. It has additionally been shown to work for resolving various behavioral problems that may appear in children with hearing problems, including attention deficit disorder (ADD), dyslexia, and ADHD.

Dr. Berard’s work with auditory integration training is similar to the Tomatis Technique, but his is also used for resolving the behavior and cognitive problems that individuals with hearing disorders can encounter. According to Dr. Berard, these kinds of problems may appear when certain frequencies are perceived in a distorted manner, leading to issues in understanding and behavior. Practitioners of Dr. Berard’s method make use of a device referred to as the Ear Education and Retraining Program (EERS) which helps to reduce the sound wavelengths that an individual hears in a distorted way, or to that he or she is hypersensitive. Over time, the EERS allows clients to perceive all sound frequencies normally and without awareness to them. Dr. Berard has used his system to help many patients with hearing-related behavioral and intellectual problems be fully cured, including instances of autism.

Ayurveda Treatments: Ayurveda physicians employ essential oils, herbs, nutritional supplements, and massage therapy to help patients recover from hearing problems. A common Ayurveda practice is to blend the Ayurveda herb neem with the essential oil Adardica indica after it has been warmed. A few drops of this combination are dropped into the ear with a dropper, where the solution actively works to destroy bacteria and fungi that can contribute to earwax buildup and other hearing imbalances. At the same time, patients tend to be instructed to take the Aurvedic herb amla, a powerful source of vitamin C, to further boost immune function. Lymphatic therapeutic massage may also be administered to help open up the Eustachian tubes, letting them drain more proficiently.

Other Ayurveda remedies include albad oil mixed with the herbs ashwagandha, bala, calamus, black spice, and Native Indian long spice. This mixture helps to improve hearing loss by increasing the circulation around the ears while simultaneously helping to drain excess hearing fluid. Essential albad oil inserted into the ear may also help to relieve tinnitus. It can be taken orally to assist in recovery of hearing problems, as can sesame oil as well as ghee, or clarified butter.

Craniosacral Therapy: Developed by John Upledger, D.O., healthcare director of the Upledger Start, in Hand Beach Gardens, Florida, craniosacral therapy provides many benefits for individuals suffering from hearing disorders due to how it works to realign the temporal bone fragments, which enclose the internal workings of the ears, with the rest of the cranium. In addition, it’s highly effective for relieving pressure on the temporal lobes of the brain, which can also be an issue in hearing disorders. Craniosacral therapy is also highly effective for resolving hearing difficulties related to tempro-mandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome. It is particularly helpful for resolving earache and hearing pain, otitis media and tinnitus.

Dealing with Excess Earwax: In addition to the normal use of 100% cotton swabs, an easy and efficient method suggested by naturopathic physicians for earwax accumulation is to add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or vinegar to tepid or warm water. Using an eye dropper, put the solution inside your ear (slanting your head upwards as you place it). After a couple of moments, tip you head down, permitting the solution to drain. Then replicate the process with your other ear. Be sure to make use of cotton swabs afterwards. Smashed garlic or even the herb mullein added to additional virgin olive oil can also be used for this purpose.

Excess earwax can be as a result of deficiency of EFA’s, especially Ω-3 oils. Consequently, daily supplementing with omega-3 oils is recommended.

Diet: If you suffer from hearing problems, you must be screened for food allergies and sensitivities, and avoid those meals for which you test positive. In addition, avoid all sugar and sugars products, whole wheat and wheat byproducts, soya products, sodas, commercially prepared foods, and all foods which contains artificial elements, such as chemicals, colorings, flavorings, and chemical preservatives (such as BHA, BHT, sodium nitrite, sulfites, saccharin, aspartame, and cyclamates). Minimize your intake of milk and dairy products, as well as coffee and other caffeine items, steak, salt, refined carbohydrates (white breads, pastries, commercial pastas), corn, chocolate, and unhealthy fats (hydrogenated or trans fats).

Stress a diet full of organic whole foods, especially plenty of organic fresh green vegetables and green vegetable drinks. Additionally, eat high quality protein meals such as free-range organic meat, poultry, and wild-caught fish. Garlic and onions are beneficial due to their immune-boosting properties, as are cultured meals such as yogurt and yogurt beverages, such as kefir and lassi. Also be sure to drink plenty of pure, strained water throughout the day.

Eliminating Allergies: Detecting and eliminating foods and environmental allergies is essential in many cases of hearing problems. In addition, nursing infants for at least six months following their birth can significantly reduce the risk of children developing allergies that can contribute to hearing difficulties. Research shows breastfed kids overall develop a higher resistency to allergic reactions than babies who are fed milk formulas, and that they also possess stronger natural defenses.

In addition to allergy testing (See Allergies to learn more), one of the most efficient means of detecting allergies is electrodermal screening (EDS). EDS is able to test for both food and environmental allergic reactions by reading an individual’s energetic pathways as the individual is subjected to sample vials of the most typical allergens. In the hands of a skilled specialist, EDS is usually capable of discovering hidden allergies when all other testing techniques fail.

If allergies are detected, an effective way to resolve them is an allergic reaction treatment known as enzyme-potentiated desensitization (EPD). In EPD remedies, patients obtain a series of shots which contain a number of allergens from a specific category, such as whole milk and dairy products for food hypersensitivity treatments. The injections help the body’s immune system to build up tolerances to the things that trigger allergies so that they can eventually be accepted without problems. Depending on the quantity of allergens a person is sensitive to, a number of EPD shots may be necessary. Unlike conventional allergy pictures, EPD injections are able to deal with multiple associated allergens at once, and at reduced dosages, therefore minimizing the chance of adverse reactions.

Herbal treatments: Herbs that can help eliminate bacterial infections related to hearing difficulties include Echinacea, goldenseal, hypericum, and St. John’s Wort, all which can also help to drain excess ear liquid. For otitis media, mixing equal parts of Echinacea and cleavers as a tincture is a good idea. Take 1 tsp. 3 times a day. Essential mullein blossom oil inserted into the ear via an eye dropper may also help to relieve symptoms of inflammation, however should be avoided if perforation within the ear is present.

Ginkgo biloba is useful for improving overall circulation in and around the ear and is also effective as a treatment for tinnitus. Combining equal areas of ginkgo biloba with black cohosh as a tincture can be helpful.

For earache, hearing pain, reduced hearing, as well as hearing problems related to candidiasis, placing tea tree oil drops and watered down grapefruit seed extract is recommended.

Homeopathy: At the onset of otitis media, the naturopathic remedies Aconite and Ferrum phos. can be highly effective, while Belladonna, Chamomilla, Hepar sulf., Lycopodium, Merc sol., Pulsatilla, and Silicea are recommended for otitis media’s later stages and for recurring episodes. Apis mellifica, Belladonna, Chamomilla, Hepar sulf., Lachesis, Lycopodium, Merc sol., Pulsatilla, and Silicea are useful with regard to treating bacterial infections related to listening to disorders. Carboneum sulphuratum as well as Salicylicum acidum, taken along with vitamin B6 and gignko biloba, is a good idea for Meniere’s disease. Sodium, coffee, and dark chocolate should be avoided. For ringing in the ears, recommended homeopathic formulas include Chenopodium, Cinchona officinalis, and Salicylicum acidum. The appropriate remedy depends upon the type of noise heard by the patient.

Lifestyle: Avoid exposure to noise. If you work in a noisy environment, be sure to put on protective ear plugs or earmuffs. Also avoid listening to music using headphones, which can trigger hearing loss as well as significantly increase the risk of ear infection. Additionally, regularly clean your ears with 100% cotton swab, however do so lightly, to avoid damaging ear cells.

Nutritional Supplements: Helpful nutritional supplements with regard to hearing disorders include vitamin A (hearing loss as well as tinnitus), B vitamins (otitis media along with other hearing problems associated with infection), vitamin C (otitis press and other hearing difficulties related to infection), zinc (tinnitus), beta carotene (otitis media), and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) (for extra fluid accumulation in the ear). Iron should be considered, especially for children with hearing disorders, however only if the patient is iron deficient. Acidophilus bacteria is recommended for hearing problems to maintain healthy intestinal flora and also to minimize the risk of bacterial infections and candidiasis. The amino acid glutamic acid can help instances of tinnitus and also helps to maintain correct brain function, which can improve the signs of hearing problems. Liquid MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) inserted in the ear via a dropper can improve the flexibility of the walls of the heart and is particularly useful for age-associated hearing loss.

Chinese medicine (TCM): Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine find that most cases of hearing disorders are related to imbalances in kidney performance. Therefore, they treat hearing problems by managing the kidney meridians (energetic pathways from the body) utilizing a combination of acupuncture and herbal treatments, such as long zuo gi wan, a classic TCM fix for imbalanced kidney energies. Close attention is offered to each person’s diet in order to stimulate the immune system, Qigong and Tai chi workouts are also frequently advised.

Alternative Professional Treatment

The following treatments can also be helpful for treating as well as preventing hearing disorders: Biofeedback Training ,Neurotherapy, Biological Dentistry (for hearing problems related to TMJ), Chiropractic Care, Environmental Medicine, Magnet Treatment, Naturopathic Treatments, Osteopathic Medicine, and Sound Therapy. (See Resources for additional information regarding these and other alternative therapies).