Clinical Outcomes Following Ayurvedic Management Of Childhood Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Case Report

Abstract

Background:

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in children can adversely affect speech development, academic achievement, and psychological well-being. Conventional management mainly includes hearing aids, cochlear implantation, and speech therapy, which primarily provide supportive rehabilitation. In ayurveda, a comparable condition is described under Badhiryam, predominantly associated with vitiation of Vata Dosha affecting the auditory pathway.

Case Presentation:

A 6-year old male child was brought with complaints of reduced hearing ability since early childhood, characterized by poor responsiveness to verbal commands and difficulty in understanding conversational speech. There was no significant family history of hearing impairment. Otoscopic findings were within normal limits. Auditory brainstem Response (ABR) and Audiometry testing revealed bilateral moderate to severe hearing loss. Based on Ayurvedic assessment, the condition was diagnosed as Badhiryam.

Intervention:
The treatment protocol included Kostha Shodhana followed by internal medications and external therapeutic procedures such as Karnapoorana and Nasya. Supportive speech therapy was advised concurrently.

Outcome:
Following the treatment period, the child demonstrated improved responsiveness to auditory stimuli and better speech clarity as reported by caregivers. Follow-up audiological evaluation showed stabilization and partial improvement in hearing thresholds. No adverse events were observed.

Conclusion:
This case suggests a potential supportive role of Ayurvedic management in pediatric SNHL. Further well-designed clinical studies are required to validate these findings.