Contributors: Debbie Clason, Healthy Hearing, Staff Writer, and Joy Victory, Managing Editor, Healthy Hearing
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Although medicine has not yet discovered a way to repair sensorineural hearing loss caused by age or noise, some users of acupuncture, an important component of traditional Chinese medicine, believe that acupuncture has Some claim it has properties that reverse both hearing loss and tinnitus. However, there is a lack of Western medicine to show that it is effective.
What is acupuncture?
According to the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture, acupuncture is a method of stimulating the body’s natural healing powers and functions by inserting very thin needles and applying heat and electrical pulses in a very precise manner.
It is believed that inserting needles into specific acupuncture points stimulates the nervous system, releasing chemicals into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. According to the AAMA, these chemicals trigger the release of other chemicals and hormones that stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities.
That may be the case, but more research is needed. “The effects of acupuncture on the brain and body, and the best ways to measure their effects, are only beginning to be understood,” explains the federally funded National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
Is acupuncture effective for hearing loss?
Various reports dating back to the 1940s claim that acupuncture cured hearing loss, sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL), and tinnitus.
However, when looking at the clinical evidence, the results are even more confusing.
The authors of the study, published in the February 2015 issue of the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, reviewed 12 studies to determine “the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of sensorineural hearing loss.” I reviewed it. Researchers concluded that acupuncture can improve hearing in some patients with sensorineural hearing loss, especially when combined with medication.
However, due to small sample studies and lack of data to assess safety, the authors recommend further research. It’s also worth keeping in mind that this study was conducted in China, where medical practices are different than in the United States.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, this treatment is often used in conjunction with drugs or herbal treatments, so it is difficult to determine what caused the effect, whether it was acupuncture, drugs, a placebo effect, or a combination thereof. is difficult.
Should I receive acupuncture treatment for sudden hearing loss?
Some studies in China are looking at acupuncture to treat sudden hearing loss, also known as sudden hearing loss. For example, in a 2006 study, about two-thirds of 63 participants experienced a “therapeutic effect” from the treatment. The researchers concluded that milder symptoms were more likely to result in a positive result.
However, again, this study has some notable limitations. It was small and there was no control group to compare results. This is important because this type of hearing loss often resolves on its own in some cases, so it is impossible to determine whether acupuncture or time itself was the treatment in this study. (In case of sudden hearing loss, consult a doctor immediately.)
What about acupuncture for tinnitus?
The British Tinnitus Association reviewed research into acupuncture for tinnitus and concluded that there was “no evidence that this treatment is effective”.
However, it may be effective indirectly as a treatment for anxiety. Stress can cause or worsen tinnitus, so learning how to deal with stress (and anxiety) is an important tool to reduce tinnitus. As VeryWellMind.com notes, “Acupuncturists and medical professionals aren’t sure exactly why acupuncture is effective for anxiety, but research shows that acupuncture appears to have a calming effect.” It has been pointed out that
It’s also worth noting that acupuncture has been shown to be effective in clinical trials for chronic pain. The study was successfully conducted and showed benefits beyond the placebo effect. Since pain causes stress, which can lead to tinnitus, this could again be a treatment that indirectly helps tinnitus sufferers.
Is acupuncture right for me?
Chinese medicine practitioners have used acupuncture to treat deafness and deafness for centuries, but most medical experts warn that more research is needed.
So, as with most alternative therapies, the answer is “may help.” The health risks are low (in rare cases, needles can cause infections). Please note that acupuncture can be expensive and is rarely covered by health insurance.
If you are not achieving optimal hearing, schedule an appointment with a qualified hearing health care professional. If you have been diagnosed with hearing loss, discuss treatment options and express your interest in alternative treatments to your doctor.
