The vestibular
aqueduct is a tiny bony canal which extends from the inner ear endolymphatic
space towards the brain. Enlarged
vestibular aqueduct can cause symptoms associated with hearing and balance, and
this is known as enlarged vestibular aqueduct syndrome (EVAS). Genetic and environmental factors are
responsible for this condition. About 70
to 80% of this condition causes only hearing loss and is therefore non-syndromic. The Pendred syndrome causes hearing loss as
well as thyroid dysfunction and is seen in one-third cases of EVAS. Sometimes the neck as well as the kidneys can
also be affected in addition to hearing dysfunction. Usually, hearing is normal in the first few
years of life. Hearing loss becomes noticeable
in early childhood, usually after incidents like head trauma, upper respiratory
tract infection, jumping, and air travel. Usually there is a gradually
progressive hearing loss, tinnitus as well as vertigo. Children experience balance and coordination
problems. Hearing loss is usually
sensorineural in origin, but may rarely also be due to conductive hearing impairment. The long-term course of this condition is
variable, and varies from few symptoms to profound hearing loss as well as
severe associated symptoms.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment
for EVAS is related to providing symptomatic improvement according to the
presentation of symptoms in each individual.
Herbal medicines are given to possibly reduce the size of the bony canal
which is responsible for symptoms. Other
herbal medicines are used to reduce the pressure of the excess fluid which is
responsible for causing hearing loss and other symptoms. Long-term Ayurvedic treatment
is also given so as to protect the outer and inner sensory hair from getting
damaged due to EVAS.
Associated symptoms
in the syndromic condition need to be treated accordingly. The main aim of treatment with Ayurvedic herbal
medicines is to bring about in improvement in the hearing loss as well as
prevent long-term permanent damage related to the ears as well as to the other
organs in the body. Herbal treatment is
safe for long-term use and can therefore be safely used both in children as
well as affected adults. Treatment with
Ayurvedic herbal medicines needs to be started as early as possible, in order
to obtain the maximum possible benefit from treatment. Ayurvedic treatment initially needs to be
given for periods ranging from six months to one year, and later on can be
given as required. Ayurvedic herbal treatment
thus has a significant role to play in the management and treatment of EVAS.
The writer, Dr. A. A.
Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
