Home Remedies and Herbs for Hearing Loss (Deafness)

Deafness or hearing loss is a condition that affects a person’s ability to hear. It can cause total or partial loss of hearing in one or both ears. Hearing loss can affect anyone depending on the specific hearing loss causes. Though anyone is susceptible to hearing loss, it most commonly and naturally affects older people over the age of 65. ¹

There are two classifications of hearing loss:

• Sensorineural hearing loss: Occurs when the inner ear hair cells and/or auditory nerve are damaged.
• Conductive hearing loss: Occurs when a blockage or infection prevents sounds from passing between the outer and inner ear.

Hearing loss can happen suddenly or it can happen gradually over time. Deafness in one ear is another common type of hearing loss which can sometimes correct itself with time. Hearing loss is not always permanent. Depending on the hearing loss cause, deafness can be reversed. ^1,2

What Causes Hearing Loss / Deafness?

The two types of deafness are the result of different hearing loss causes. The following are the types of hearing loss causes: ^2,3

• Sensorineural hearing loss: This type of hearing loss is caused by damage to the inner ear. This is often the result of an injury such as a head or brain trauma. This can also occur due to gradual wear over time due to aging.
• Conductive hearing loss: This type of hearing loss occurs due to a blockage in the ear or certain types of birth defects. Blockages can be due to earwax or fluid buildup or an ear infection that causes hearing loss. Certain disorders can also affect the small bones in the ear which impedes the ability to hear.

Hearing Loss / Deafness Symptoms

Hearing loss symptoms can include: 

• Muffled sounds
• Difficulty hearing speech or sounds when there is background noise
• Asking people to repeat themselves or speak louder or slower
• Needing the volume to be louder on phones, TV’s or radio
• Withdrawing from conversations out of concern of not being able to hear properly

Other symptoms that may occur alongside hearing loss include deafness in one ear, ringing in the ear, dizziness and pressure in the ear. ¹

Natural Remedies and Herbs for Hearing Loss / Deafness

There are a few hearing loss natural cures that can help improve deafness depending on the hearing loss causes:

• Ginkgo Biloba - Ginkgo biloba is an herbal remedy intended to boost circulation which may help to improve sudden hearing loss or deafness in one ear due to pressure.
• Rosemary - Rosemary is a hearing loss natural cure that improves blood flow to the brain which can help to restore hearing loss caused by blockages.
• Marjoram - Marjoram is a safe hearing loss natural cure that can help correct total or partial deafness caused by fluid buildup.
• Garlic - Hearing loss attributed to poor health or fluid buildup can be treated using garlic. Garlic helps to boost circulation which can improve hearing loss.
• Mistletoe - Mistletoe is used to help treat tinnitus - a condition characterized by hearing loss and a constant ringing in the hear. 

References

1. http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/hearing-loss 
2. http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Hearing-impairment/Pages/Introduction.aspx
3. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/basics/causes/con-20027684