Otosclerosis is a medical condition of the middle ear in which the bones which conduct sound from the eardrum to the auditory nerve get damaged and progressively harden, after which they are unable to perform their function of conducting sound. Otosclerosis usually commences in the third decade and occurs more commonly in women. The bones initially obtain a spongy appearance, after which they start sclerosing. This condition gradually causes middle ear deafness, known as conductive hearing loss. Otosclerosis may result from repeated middle ear infections, or may have a hereditary component.
Otosclerosis is a condition for which there is no medical management in the modern system of medicine. Treatment is usually with the help of hearing aids or surgical correction. The Ayurvedic management of otosclerosis involves the use of herbal medicines which act on these affected bones and help to remove the sclerosing component of these bones. These medicines act on the middle ear and help these bones to completely or partly reclaim their normal constitution, so that they can function properly. Ayurvedic medicines need to be taken for at least 6 to 9 months in order to bring about significant improvement in the functioning of the middle ear so as to reduce the conduction deafness and bring hearing to normal or near normal.
It is important to enquire about hereditary or environmental causes which may contribute to otosclerosis. It is also important to enquire about the lifestyle and working habits of the affected individual to reduce or avoid any contributory factors which may adversely affect the otosclerosis. Most affected individuals have a history of repeated infections of the middle ear, prolonged or repeated use of antibiotics, or a history of exposure to excessive noise or music. While treating the patient with Ayurvedic herbal medicines, care needs to be taken to adopt appropriate lifestyle changes so as to reduce the risk factors for this condition. This ensures that the affected individual gets the maximum benefit from the medicines.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a definite role to play in the management and treatment of otosclerosis.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
