Acupuncture for Hearing Loss & Tinnitus: Does it Really Work?

Acupuncture for Hearing Loss & Tinnitus: Does it Really Work?

Bonnie L. Baehr, Au.D.

Are you hearing strange sounds –like ringing in the ears, hearing others sounds like, zinging, clicking, roaring or humming? You may be experiencing hearing loss. There is no cure for hearing loss, but you can get acupuncture treatment or use hearing aids.

You should keep reading this article to learn about the symptoms, causes, tests, treatments for hearing loss. This information will help you learn how to cope with this condition and help your loved ones adjust to the changes you are experiencing.

Understanding Hearing Loss

There are different ways hearing loss can take over your life. The degree of hearing loss can range from difficulty understanding words, trying to read lips, not able to communicate with people – you cannot hear people and they think you are yelling or speaking too loudly, or you just isolate yourself because you are embarrassed. Here are some common symptoms of hearing loss:

  • TV and radio volume too high
  • Speech hard to understand
  • Hard to hear people on the phone
  • You ask people to repeat themselves constantly
  • Avoid social events
  • Ringing in the ears

Understanding Tinnitus

According to Mayo Clinic, tinnitus is the perception of noise or ringing in the ears and a common problem in 15 to 20 percent of people. Tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying condition, such as age-related hearing loss, ear injury or circulatory system disorder. Tinnitus is not a sign of something serious, but it should be checked out by a healthcare provider if you are hearing sounds in your ears when it’s quiet. When you start experiences these sounds go see a doctor:

  • Ringing
  • Buzzing
  • Roaring
  • Clicking
  • Hissing
  • Humming

Acupuncture

According to the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, it describes acupuncture as the method of getting the body to heal naturally and function by putting tiny needles and applying heat with electrical impulses. The needles stimulate the nervous system, releasing chemicals to the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemicals trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones which stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanism, according to AAMA. Homeopathic medicine specialists suggest that acupuncture may be the best treatment for tinnitus as well as hearing loss. Acupuncture specialists used with different Chinese herbs to enhance the treatment.

Does Acupuncture Help Relieve Tinnitus and Improve Hearing?

You should try acupuncture to help with hearing loss. According to www.HealthyHearing.com numerous reports dating back to 1940s have claimed that acupuncture has cured deafness, sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) and Tinnitus. The research published in the February 2015 issue of the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine reviewed 12 studies and findings suggest that this treatment help improve hearing in some patients. Please understand that these studies were done in China. Finally, the study finding did not distinguish what helped Tinnitus: acupuncture, the medicines, the placebo effect or combination. You should not try to live with not hearing or yelling at people because you cannot communicate with others. It is recommended that you seek treatment for hearing loss. It’s a good idea to seek a health care provider before trying acupuncture to rule out other causes that might require care.

Seeking Treatment for Hearing Loss

  • Abnormal growth or bone changes in ears
  • Head and Neck Injuries
  • Congestion and sinus pressure
  • Medical conditions like hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, Lyme disease

Finally, you should consider trying acupuncture for hearing loss or tinnitus. It may help with your hearing. Do not ignore sudden hearing loss and chalk it up to old age. Get advice about this condition and whether acupuncture is right for you. Please visit a hearing provider to get a hearing exam, be fitted for hearing aids, if you have a hearing loss. When you start hearing strange sounds –like ringing in the ears, hearing others sounds like, zinging, clicking, roaring or humming you should consider getting examined by a physician or audiologist. You should learn about the symptoms, causes, tests, treatments for hearing loss. This information will help you learn how to cope with this condition and help your loved ones adjust to the changes you are experiencing. There is no cure for hearing loss, but you can get acupuncture treatment or use hearing aids.