how to improve hearing loss caused by ear infections naturally?

Answer 1

Hi. I'm an Audiologist.

Please add more details to your question: "ear infections" is a very vague term, and the location of the infection is vital to being able to give you an accurate answer.

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Were the infections in the ear canal (otitis externa, a.k.a. "swimmer's ear"); or in the middle ear cavity (otitis media -- the kind that is treated with ear tubes); or in the inner ear, which causes sudden severe hearing loss often accompanied by ringing in the ear (tinnitus) and spinning dizziness (vertigo)?

Also it depends on the type and cause of the hearing loss:
>> Conductive - sound waves are not able to get to the inner ear efficiently; may be due to ear wax (cerumen) build-up or a foreign object (often cotton from Q-Tips); bacteria or fungus in the external canal (otitis externa); thickening of the eardrum (tympanic membrane) tissues (tympanosclerosis); fluid in the middle ear cavity (with or without active infection), which if untreated can cause also the middle ear bones (ossicles) to degrade, or can possibly lead to a ruptured tympanic membrane; thickening of the middle ear bones (otosclerosis); or other disorders of the outer or middle ear.

>> Sensorineural - once the sound waves enter the inner ear (cochlea), the signal is not transmitted to the nerve or along the nerve efficiently. This is commonly called "nerve deafness" but in truth, the primary cause of sensorineural hearing loss is that the tiny hair cells that vibrate to sound and stimulate the nerve get damaged. Some people inherit brittle hair cells, others become damaged from exposure to loud noises, some medical conditions (diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure) can lead to damage, and some ingested substances (from cigarette smoking to chemotherapy) can also damage the hair cells. A true "nerve" loss can be caused by a number of neurologic factors.

>> Mixed hearing loss - had both a conductive and sensorineural component.

Treatment and prognosis also depends on the type of hearing loss, as well as the patient's health and candidacy for treatment procedures:
>> Conductive losses, as you can guess from the description, are the easiest to treat medically; either by treating the cause of the blockage or surgically correcting the damage.

>> Sensorineural hearing losses typically are permanent and progressive. In the case of a sudden onset loss, very prompt treatment with antibiotics and/or steroids can result in improved hearing, but the longer the patient waits to seek treatment, the lower those chances get.

>> Mixed hearing loss can usually only be improved to the level of the inner ear (bone conduction) response by treating the cause of the conductive component.

As you can see, additional details are necessary. Taking herbs and dietary supplements is fine; but as with prescription medication, they do not work for everyone, especially if there is no accurate diagnosis. By the way, Ginko Biloba is currently to only substance with a known scientifically confirmed correlation to tinnitus reduction. All other single and multiple-supplements have yet to be proven.

I've answered many ear infection and hearing loss questions. Feel free to click on my name/avatar (picture) and browse through my profile.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Improve Hearing Naturally

Answer 4

That would depend on whether the hearing loss is treatable or if the hearing loss is permanent. Sometimes there is permanent hearing loss by chronic infections and other times there is further treatment that could improve the hearing loss. Hard to say without seeing your specific problem.

Most ear infections if they involve the middle ear will respond best to antibiotic therapy or prednisone therapy. I have not seen and research on natural or holistic treatments for middle ear infections as such.

Answer 5

This Hearing Loss Prevention and/or Curing Protocol is for people who are ready to take the full responsibility for their own health.

"The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it."
Chinese Proverb.
http://curezone.com/dis/1.asp?C0=168

Also drink clean distilled water as flouride may cause hearing loss http://www.curezone.com/dental/fluoride.asp

he B vitamin inositol hexaniacinate may help by dilating blood vessels in the brain.
http://www.curezone.com/forums/m.asp?f=56&i=451

Chronic Ear Infection:May Be Allergic to Milk & Wheat http://www.curezone.com/forums/m.asp?f=56&i=463

Ginkgo biloba may help relieve tinnitus by improving circulation to brain and inner ear

Vinpocetine, an herb derived from the periwinkle plant, has been shown to improve circulation to the brain and improve nerve cell function

Zinc supplements may help with tinnitus since more zinc concentrates in the inner ear than in most other body locations. Experts already know that even a mild deficit can affect hearing for the worse. In one Japanese study, people with tinnitus who were low on zinc had an improvement in their symptoms after taking zinc. It's important to take copper if you take zinc for more than a month, because zinc interferes with copper absorption.

omega-3 fatty acids (fatty acids) can yield improvements in persons with hearing disorders and Meniere's diseases.

Answer 6

once your lose hearing you cannot get it back but you can try to prevent furthur damage by clearing the infection by taking the proper medicines. go to an ENT specialist.