Hearing Loss

Hearing is governed by an aspect of vata known as prana vata. In older people, prana vata tends to get debilitated, leading to what is known as conductive or nerve deafness: The person doesn’t hear properly because the nerves become weak.

To improve hearing, try the following natural remedies:

TAKE YOGARAJ GUGGULU. This special compound of Ayurvedic herbs pacifies vata dosha and strengthens weakened nerves. Take 200 mg. of this compound 2 or 3 times a day with warm water, after meals. Yogaraj guggulu can be ordered in capsules from many sellers of Ayurvedic herbs. (see Resources for addresses.)

DIET. Avoid vatagenic foods such as popcorn, corn chips, beans, raw vegetables, and cold drinks. (Guidelines for the vata-balancing diet maybe found in chapter 8.)

KEEP OUT OF COLD DRAFTS.

TRY GARLIC OIL. Pour about 1 tablespoon of sesame oil into a small pan, and into it place 1 clove of garlic, well chopped. Cook till the garlic turns brown, then let it cool. While cooking, press the garlic into the oil. This helps the healing properties of the garlic ooze out and permeate the oil. The resulting mixture, which has an excellent fragrance, is called garlic oil. Place 5 to 10 drops (of body-temperature oil) into the ear. This will improve the hearing capacity of the auditory nerve.

NOTE: Oil should be used in the ear only when there is no infection.

YOGA POSTURES. The following yoga postures may improve hearing: Lion, Camel, Cobra, and Cow (see appendix 4). Alternate Nostril breathing may also be effective (see chapter 6).

TIME TO SEE THE DOCTOR

Ayurveda offers several recommendations to restore hearing or retard hearing loss. However, if these treatment suggestions don’t result in any improvement after a couple of months, or if your hearing loss seems to be increasing rather than diminishing, seek a doctor’s advice.