Hearing health is an essential component of our overallwellbeing. It is important to take measures to protect our hearing and recognize the warning signs that it may be at risk. There are many ways to protect our hearing, including wearing earplugs or earmuffs when exposed to loud noises, avoiding overly loud music, and not smoking. In addition, it is essential to undergo routine hearing tests to ensure that our hearing is not deteriorating. As soon as hearing loss is detected, it is essential to seek medical attention. Early detection and treatment can aid in preventing further hearing loss and enhance quality of life.
How do essential oils work?
Essential oils are liquids extracted from plants, such as herbs and fruits. Lemon, peppermint, and lavender are common essential oils, but there are dozens, if not hundreds, of essential oils. They have been around for centuries and are frequently used to add flavor or aroma to food and other products.
Imagine asking whether essential oils can assist with hearing loss.
Numerous online health claims have been made regarding essential oils, which are not FDA-regulated. Similar to the markets for other popular alternative therapies, such as CBD oil and homoeopathy, it is a buyer-beware market in the United States due to lax regulations.
There is scant clinical evidence that essential oils have medical benefits, including for hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, or ear infections. Use caution if you intend to treat any of these conditions with essential oils
How effective are essential oils for hearing loss?
Cajeput oil, geranium oil, lavender oil, and tea tree oil could assist with sensorineural hearing loss, whereas Helichrysum oil could assist with both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss.
But is there evidence that these oils are effective? No, DiSogra explains in a separate review article for Audiology Today on essential oils and hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo. This indicates that very little clinical research (if any) has been conducted on these essential oils, and that the majority of claims are either unfounded or based on self-reports.
According to the author, audiologists should not recommend essential oils for hearing loss.
Can essential oils aid in tinnitus treatment?
Tinnitus is the medical term for persistent ear ringing. DiSogra discovered unproven claims that cypress oil, ginseng oil, helichrysum oil, juniper oil, lavender oil, lilies oil, olive oil, onion oil, petitgrain oil, rehmannia oil, and spotted orchis oil, among others, could alleviate tinnitus.
In published medical literature, only one of these, lavender oil, was linked to a health benefit, and it concerned potential anti-inflammatory effects on the central nervous system, not tinnitus.
How does CBD (cannabidiol) oil compare? It is one of the few oils that has been subject to extensive research: For severe forms of epilepsy, for instance, the FDA has authorized a CBD-based prescription drug. CBD oil may assist with tinnitus, according to preliminary but conflicting research.
How do essential oils affect our hearing power?
Di-Sogra discovered numerous online health claims regarding essential oils and vertigo, including claims about basil oil, bergamot oil, bitter orange oil (neroli), CBD oil, clary sage oil, cypress oil, geranium oil, ginger oil, lavender oil, lemon balm oil, peppermint oil, rosemary oil, tangerine oil, and thyme oil. None possessed clinical evidence of effectiveness.
When he searched for clinical trials and other medical studies, however, he found no evidence that any of these oils were effective in treating ear infections.
Dangers posed by essential oils
Essential oils are generally not acutely hazardous and, when used with caution, are unlikely to cause permanent damage.
Ultimately, if you are interested in trying any of these essential oils, you should use them with caution and be aware that they can cause skin reactions if used improperly.
If you're interested in trying essential oils, use them with caution and be aware that they do pose risks.
"For instance, cumin oil is safe for use in food, but can cause blistering on the skin," notes Di Sogra. Certain citrus oils used safely in food can be dangerous when used in cosmetics, especially when applied to sun-exposed skin.
Additionally, certain essential oils can affect hormones and are therefore unsafe for pregnant or nursing women. Others may impact cardiovascular health.
When it comes to ear-related conditions, he encountered websites that recommended putting oils in the ear canal.