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One of the important functions that we tend to ignore when we think of exercising is hearing. But it is time that one considers taking care of one of the most important organs for the body- ears. Yoga can be one form of effective exercising that can treat various ear problems and progressive hearing loss.
There is sufficient research evidence that indicates that exercise- in any form- can have a positive impact on hearing. Yoga is one such way. It works by improving blood circulation to the ear and brain that prevents damage to the neurotransmitters. Moreover, this also works by increasing nerve function and removing harmful toxins from the body.
Table of Contents
How To Improve Hearing Loss By Yoga
Bhramari Pranayama for Hearing Loss
Breathing exercises are known as Pranayama. There are various Pranayamas one can try. However, for better hearing, yoga instructors recommend the Brahmari Pranayama. Commonly known as the Bee Breath, this yoga pose works mainly for the ear, nose and throat.During this Pranayama, while exhaling there is a humming sound that tries to generate an echo in the ears. For the treatment of tinnitus and sensorineural hearing loss, the same effect stimulates hair cells through the resonation of the skull. This stimulation converts sound signals into electrical impulses and improves hearing. Not only hearing, but this also unclogs the sinuses and blocked ears.
Steps to perform Brahmari Pranayama-
-Start with sitting in Padmasana pose
-Close your eyes and ears by turning the earlobes using the index finger
-While keeping the mouth close, inhale deeply
-Let out air through the nose while making a humming soundShunya Mudra for Hearing Loss
Along with asanas, mudras- hand gestures, also play a pivotal role in the holistic healing of hearing loss. Also known as Akash Mudra, it mainly deals with space within the body.
Mudras define the 5 fingers as the representation of 5 elements of the universe- Fire, Air, Space, Earth, and Water. According to experts, when a particular element comes in contact with the fire element, a charge is generated that nullifies that particular element.
In Shunya Mudra, one has to bring the third finger, representing Space with the thumb. The thumb represents the fire element. The yoga pose can treat various hearing problems including ringing in the ears, vertigo, and dizziness, etc.
Steps to perform Shunya Mudra-
-Start with sitting in the Padmasana pose comfortably
-Bring the thumb over the middle finger by bending it
-Bend the middle finger till it touches the base of the thumb
-Exert a slight pressure to keep the finger in placeGreeva Chalan for Hearing Loss
With growing age, the blood supply to the brain and labyrinth decreases leading to cervical spondylosis. This results in a gradual decrease in hearing. Fortunately, regular cervical and shoulder exercises can relieve tension.
Here is a set of three exercises that can help-
Neck flexion-extension exercise- Begin with tucking the chin towards the chest by gently bending the head downward. After this, gently bend the head upward as maximum as possible.
Lateral flexion exercise- In this exercise, one has to touch the ear with the shoulder- right ear with the right shoulder and left ear to the left one. This has to be done without turning or rotating the head.
Head rotation exercise- Rotate the head first to the right then back to the normal position and then left.
Kumbhak for Hearing Loss
Kumbhak is mainly a respiratory exercise. In this yoga asana, one has to exhale air from the lungs for a long duration with maximum capacity. Therefore, this increases carbon dioxide in the blood thereby, leading to the stimulation and regeneration of the hearing area.
Steps to perform Kumbhak-
-One has to start by sitting in a comfortable meditating pose
-Breathe naturally through both the nostrils
-Take a deep breath and tuck the chin into the chest
-Close nose with thumb and ring finger and hold the breath
-Release hand lift head by exhaling through the nostrils
-Repeat this cycle for 10-15 minutesViparita Karani for Hearing Loss
As this is a remedial pose, it circulates blood to every part of the body. Hence, it can alleviate any illness including tinnitus from the body. This pose is also known as Legs Up in The Wall pose. This posture is a great stress reliever and gives a good stretch that can calm the mind.Steps to perform Viparita Karani-
-Sit opposite to a wall.
-Raise your legs gently against the wall.
-Keep your arms stretched with palms upwards.
-Close your eyes and breathe.
-Come back to the normal position after a couple of minutes.Adho Mukha Svanasana for Hearing Loss
This is an anti-gravity pose that sends blood to the head including ears, nose and throat. The blood flow helps to remove the toxins and makes you feel more relaxed. One of the major reasons for tinnitus is stress. This pose works by strengthening the spine and relieving the stress.Steps to perform Adho Mukha Svanasana-
-Stand on your four limbs in a table structure
-Exhale and extend your hands, knees and hip in an inverted ‘V’.
-With the support of your hands, straighten your neck.
-Touch your ears with your inner arms and look at your navel.
-Hold this pose for a few seconds and then return to the table position.Bhujangasana for Hearing Loss
At times, due to intoxication in the throat or chest, it can make someone difficult to breathe. This can cause a wheezing sound (tinnitus) inside the ears. This pose removes toxins or excessive energy from these areas thereby, benefitting the ears. Anyone trying this yoga pose will be able to hear better as well as concentrate more.Steps to perform Bhujangasana-
-First, lie flat on your stomach and palms on the ground.
-Lift your chest gently and put your weight on the elbows.
-Raise your face such as a cobra.
-Hold the pose while you inhale and exhale.Matsyasana for Hearing Loss
With old age, the blood supply reduces to the head and parts of the ear. Hence, yoga poses that can improve the blood supply by treating the stiffness in the neck region will eventually improve hearing.Although there are other yoga poses such as Sirshasana or Sarvangasana, Matsyasana is comparatively easier to perform. Matsyasana stretches the throat and the upper neck as well as strengthens upper back and neck muscles.
Steps to perform Matsyasana-
-Lie on the back with hands on the side
-Put your palms under the hip for support
-Inhale deeply while slowly raising the head and chest
-With the same position, lower your head back to touch the ground
-Lift the chest up with the help of elbows while breathing in and out
-Relax slowly by coming back to the normal position
Are Yoga Poses Effective for Hearing?
Several studies have confirmed the effectiveness of yoga poses to reduce stress and anxiety. According to a study in the journal “International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology”, yoga plays an essential role in soothing out the symptoms of chronic tinnitus that mainly occurs due to stress.
Another study that was published in “The Hearing Journal”, found out that a person who is over 50 years old and has no genetic history of hearing loss is more likely to maintain a healthy auditory system if he exercises for 30 minutes five times a week.
Many of the patients suffering from hearing loss- sensorineural or conductive- are unaware of the condition and its appropriate treatment. Yoga poses, ear drops, and other home remedies can work in the initial stages of hearing loss. In some cases, people have reported success in getting relief after trying these yoga poses.
Upon escalating to later stages of the condition, there comes the need for surgical repair in the ear. People looking for surgical solutions to the ear can contact Pristyn Care clinics or book an online consultation today!
