How acoustic blast trauma-induced sensorineural hearing loss can be managed through Ayurveda.

by Ayurveda Admin

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A single brief exposure to a very intense sound, such as an explosion, cracker, or gunfire, can result in damage to hearing, and this is known as acoustic trauma. Exposure to impulse noise is more detrimental than exposure to steady-state noise. Over 5% of the world’s population, or 430 million people, require rehabilitation to address their disabling hearing loss. It is estimated that by 2050, over 700 million people, or one in every 10 people, will have disabling hearing loss.

Acoustic trauma generally causes sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), which accounts for most hearing loss. SNHL can range from mild to complete, depending on the degree of damage. Most of the time, medicine or surgery cannot fix SNHL, which can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life and ability to carry out daily living activities. However, this acoustic blast trauma-induced sensorineural hearing loss can be managed through Ayurveda.

According to Ayurveda, the ear is the location of Vata Dosha. Hence, the treatment adopted is the removal of disorders due to Vata. This includes oral medications and local therapeutic procedures. Oral medications include Brahmi Vati, Sarivadi Vati, Ashwagandha Churna, Kumarkalyana Ghrita, and Kushmanada Rasayana.

Brahmi Vati has a direct effect on Vata Nadi disorders.

Ingredients of the Sarivadi Vati include Sariva, which can cause nerve rejuvenation and ensure a healthy hearing mechanism in the body because of its flavonoids and phenolic compounds.

Ashwagandhadi Churna contains Ashwagandha, Yastimadhu, Haridra, and Rasna, which are used to heal and regenerate damaged nerve cells, thus improving nerve function.

Kumarkalyana Ghrita is given in Vata disorders as it helps balance Vata, which is the involved Dosha in decreased hearing.

Kushmanda Rasayana acts as an adjuvant to ongoing medicines and provides encouraging results while improving the quality of life of patients.

External therapeutic procedures include Marsha Nasya, Shiropichu, and Karnapoorana.

Marsha Nasya nourishes brain cells by enhancing Tarpaka Kapha (one of the subtypes of Kapha situated in the head region) as well as pacifying the Vata Dosha.

Siropichu is a transcranial route of drug delivery. It delivers the drug to the central nervous system through the brain-targeted transcranial route when applied on the scalp in an oil-solubilised dosage form.

Karnapoorana is done with Asanavilwadi Taila. Lukewarm Asanabilwadi Taila possesses Vata pacification property and removes occlusion due to Kapha that obstructs sound. Furthermore, ingredients of Asanabilwadi Taila can be easily assimilated through nerve endings. Consequently, a combined effect leads to better hearing.

During this course of treatment, Pathya-Apathya food routine is followed, with a strict bar on food items like cold drinks, curd, and pickles. To balance the Vata Dosha, easy-to-digest and warm food like wheat, rice, green gram, and drumsticks is recommended. Head bath with cold water and drinking of cold water should be avoided.

A holistic Ayurvedic intervention in such a manner offers excellent results by producing complete improvement in hearing loss from moderately severe SNHL to normal hearing. While more research and clinical studies are required to validate this Ayurvedic protocol for a broader understanding and acceptance within the healthcare community, this offers hope to millions around the world, troubled by sensorineural hearing loss caused by acoustic trauma.

Source - Journal of Research in Ayurvedic Sciences