Sudden Deafness is also known as Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSHL) and denotes hearing loss which may occur instantaneously or over a period of up to three days. It may also be accompanied by dizziness and ringing in the ears. The causes for SSHL include infections, trauma, immune disorders, circulatory or neurological disorders, or drugs which are toxic to ears. Most people recover spontaneously from SSHL within a few weeks; however, a few individuals experience progressively worsening symptoms. The standard management of this condition includes removal of the known cause, antibiotics, steroids, and inhalation of carbon-dioxide and oxygen.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment can be given to individuals with SSHL who have progressively diminishing hearing. Ayurvedic herbal medicines which have a specific action on the inner ear are used in the treatment of this condition. These medicines halt the damage to the auditory nerve and other parts of the inner ear, which are commonly damaged in this condition. Herbal medicines with strengthen the nervous system and brain are also used in the treatment of SSHL. Depending upon the presentation of the condition, some individuals may also be advised to use Ayurvedic herbal ear drops.
Known causes for the condition such as infection, auto immune disorders, or diseases of the circulatory or neurological system also need to be treated specifically, in order to treat SSHL. Toxins present within the affected individual need to be removed with the help of herbal medicines either through the kidneys or through the gastrointestinal system, since this helps to hasten the recovery process.
Most individuals having deteriorating SSHL need aggressive Ayurvedic herbal treatment for about four to six months in order to recover completely from this condition as well as prevent a relapse. Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a definite role to play in the management and treatment of SSHL.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at www.ayurvedaphysician.com
