Sudden Hearing Loss
Acupuncture for Sudden Hearing Loss in North Vancouver
Sudden hearing loss is a medical emergency: see a physician or go to emergency the same day. Once you've been assessed, AcuLife Wellness offers acupuncture as complementary support alongside the treatment your physician recommends.
Overview
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is a rapid loss of hearing, usually in one ear, that happens over a few hours to three days and is often noticed on waking. It can come with ringing in the ear (tinnitus), a feeling of fullness or dizziness. In many cases no clear cause is found.
Early treatment matters: physicians often prescribe steroids, and treatment works best when started as soon as possible, ideally within a few days. At AcuLife Wellness, we start by learning when your hearing changed, your hearing tests and the treatment you've received before recommending an approach.
Common Symptoms & Experiences
- Hearing loss in one ear that comes on over hours or days
- Ringing, buzzing or hissing in the ear
- A blocked or full feeling in the ear
- Dizziness or a spinning sensation
- Difficulty following conversations or telling where sounds come from
How Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine May Be Used
Acupuncture for sudden hearing loss usually uses points around the ear together with points on the head, neck, hands and legs chosen for your pattern. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, sudden hearing loss is often linked with wind, cold or heat blocking the channels around the ear, or with stress disturbing the flow of qi. Chinese herbal medicine may be suggested alongside acupuncture after a review of your medications.
Some studies, mainly from China, suggest acupuncture added to medical treatment may help some people, but the research is limited and of mixed quality. Acupuncture never replaces urgent medical assessment and treatment for sudden hearing loss.
AcuLife's Approach
Hong Ji, R.TCM.P., is a registered TCM practitioner in both Canada and China with 35 years of clinical experience. She takes a whole-body view, so your plan considers your sleep, stress and overall health as well as your hearing.
Learn more about Hong JiWhat to Expect
Your first visit includes a conversation about when your hearing changed, your hearing tests and medical treatment, and any tinnitus or dizziness, followed by an individualized assessment and treatment. Sessions are often more frequent in the early weeks, and your hearing should continue to be monitored by your physician or audiologist.
If ringing in the ears continues, see our tinnitus page for more.
When to Seek Medical Care
Sudden hearing loss is an emergency: see a physician or go to emergency the same day, as treatment works best when started early. Call 911 if hearing loss comes with face drooping, weakness, trouble speaking, severe dizziness with trouble walking or a sudden severe headache, as these can be signs of a stroke.
Frequently Asked Questions
Looking for Hearing Loss Support in North Vancouver?
Book an appointment with AcuLife Wellness.