Acupuncture for Hearing Loss & Tinnitus: Does it Really Work?

Acupuncture for Hearing Loss & Tinnitus: Does it Really Work?

In Tinnitus by Candace Wawra

Our senses are how we experience the world around us: what we see, what we hear, what we smell and taste. When one of those senses eludes us, how we interact with the world changes. Hearing loss can be sudden, or it can be something that happens over time. With many different causes of hearing loss and Tinnitus, there are a few treatments plans available to offer relief for both. This begs the question: Could acupuncture be a treatment for hearing loss and Tinnitus?

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine used for a variety of ailments. With acupuncture, thin needles are inserted through the skin at certain points on the body at different depths. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is believed that illness happens in a person’s body because there is an imbalance in the person’s chi. Acupuncture is supposed to restore the imbalance. In recent years, acupuncture has become a popular form of alternative medicine that addresses a wide range of medical issues. It has also been listed as a possible solution for hearing loss and tinnitus.

Does acupuncture relieve hearing loss or tinnitus?

While there is no concrete evidence that says acupuncture relieves tinnitus, some people claim that it does. There are patients that claim acupuncture has helped them not only with tinnitus, but with their hearing loss. Reports on acupuncture that go back as far as 1940 claim that this form of treatment has helped with tinnitus and cured deafness. One study showed that when used with medication, acupuncture can help with Tinnitus in some patients. However, hearing specialists do not consider acupuncture to be an alternative to already-established treatments – such as visiting a qualified hearing professional and having your hearing tested. While relief may be found for Tinnitus, there is zero evidence to suggest acupuncture could in anyway treat hearing loss.

Seeking Treatment

Hearing loss is something that should be treated as soon as possible. The longer you wait the worse it may become. There are different types of treatments for hearing loss and tinnitus it just depends on the causes.

If you’re concerned that you may have hearing loss or tinnitus, it is important to visit a qualified hearing professional as soon as possible. At Hearing Wellness Solutions, we provide comprehensive hearing evaluations, and a trained member of our team will answer all of your questions.

Contact us today to learn more!

Author

  • Candace Wawra, HIS

    Candace has been helping people with their hearing for more than ten years. She started her hearing journey working as an Audiology Assistant in a busy Ear, Nose and Throat office. Candace witnessed firsthand how she could enrich the lives of individuals and she found her passion. Candace decided to push further to learn. She received training from two Audiologists while she pursued and obtained her Missouri Hearing Instrument Specialist license.

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