Depending on the root cause of your hearing loss, steps can be taken to restore it to some extent. If you notice yourself beginning to suffer from hearing loss, especially if it is significant, you should book in for a hearing test.
A hearing test is where an otolaryngologist (an ear, nose, and throat doctor) will perform a number of different tests in a controlled medical environment. This will allow them to find and discover the root cause of your hearing loss. From here, they can discuss with you the most appropriate steps to take to restore your hearing.
This article covers some medical, natural, and holistic remedies to restore hearing loss. It is up to you and your doctor which path you choose to travel down.
CBD oil
The research into the effects of CBD oil on tinnitus is still in its early stages. There is some evidence to suggest that it can help alleviate some symptoms of tinnitus, particularly the associated depression and anxiety.
There are 2 receptors in the brain known as CB1 and CB2. It is believed that these have some role to play in hearing disorders and balance.
Ear wax removal
A build-up of ear wax can be a major contributing factor to hearing loss. This is particularly true if the wax has become impacted (pressed firmly together into a solid mass). This is a very common condition and can be treated with ease.
There are a number of products available to assist with the removal of ear wax. These range from ear candles to Q-tips (although medically they are not recommended for this purpose). You can also buy products that mimic the appearance of a corkscrew and are twisted to dislodge ear wax. Alternatively, you can visit a doctor to professionally remove the ear wax build-up.
Exercise
Good cardiovascular health will have a knock-on impact on the overall health of your body. One of the best ways to remain healthy is by eating a nutritionally balanced diet and exercising daily. This will encourage optimal blood flow around the body, helping to improve your hearing.
Ginger tea
Fans of holistic medicine swear by ginger tea as a hearing loss remedy. Combine 4 cups of water, 3 thick slices of fresh root ginger, a tablespoon of cilantro leaves, a tablespoon of cinnamon powder, a tablespoon of dried oregano, a tablespoon of rosemary, and a tablespoon of sage in a large pot.
Bring this mixture to a boil in a covered pot, and allow it to boil for 15 minutes. Once this time has elapsed, strain the mixture through a cheesecloth-covered strainer. You should drink 3 cups of this tea every day for at least 3 days.
Hearing aids
For some people, hearing aids are the only way to restore some level of their hearing. Modern hearing aids are much more sleek and inconspicuous in design, especially when compared to the large and bulky hearing aids of days gone by.
Meditation
Meditation may seem like a rogue suggestion, but there is an overwhelming amount of anecdotal evidence to support it as an alternative treatment for hearing loss. Meditation focuses strongly on breathwork and relaxation.
These deep, controlled breaths increase the flow of blood to your brain. This not only relaxes you but can help you to hear sounds that you would otherwise have missed. This is a powerful mental exercise that can have surprising physical results.
Reduce the volume
A leading cause of hearing loss is the prolonged exposure to loud noises. This is particularly relevant to the use of headphones and earphones playing music at high volumes. This can be especially damaging to your hearing as the noise is blasted directly into your ear canal.
A volume of over 85 decibels is deemed to be harmful to your hearing. This is about the same noise level as heavy traffic, an air conditioner, a powerful lawnmower, or a busy restaurant.
If you cannot avoid this noise level, we recommend wearing some kind of hearing protection. This will reduce the damage incurred to your hearing and hopefully keep your aural health in a good condition.
Steroids
This is often used as a treatment for people who experience hearing loss with a sudden onset. Injectable steroids can be inserted into the ear, however, some people prefer to take the steroidal medication orally. These are used to treat inflammation which can reduce the space in the ear canal and limit hearing. If this is given quickly enough, it can be a highly effective treatment for hearing loss.
Stop smoking
Hearing loss has a strong association with smoking. This has been verified by numerous clinical studies and they all show a positive correlation. It is believed that this is because smoking reduces the flow of oxygen in the blood around the body.
Without oxygen, the cells in your body cannot function correctly and their condition will begin to deteriorate. This is especially true of the cells in your inner ear. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide and nicotine will lead to a deterioration in hearing. This is just another example of why smoking is bad for you.
Take vitamins
There are a number of vitamins believed to be associated with hearing. These include folic acid, B vitamins, zinc, and magnesium. If your diet is lacking in any of these, it may be worth considering incorporating vitamin supplements into your diet. If you are vegetarian or vegan, you should already be taking a B vitamin supplement that contains 100% of your RDA for vitamin B12.
As with any dietary change, you should consult your doctor before beginning to take these supplements. This is particularly important if you have any chronic or underlying medical conditions.
Yoga
Similarly to meditation, people are often quick to write off yoga as a medical treatment. The relaxation combined with gentle stretching can promote blood flow around the body. Positions like downward dog force oxygen-rich blood to flow to the head, which is believed to help enhance your hearing abilities.