Dr. Robert M. DiSogra Audiologist

Essential Oils: Hearing Loss

Background

Essential Oils for Hearing Loss

(with detailed descriptions and references)

compiled by

Robert M. DiSogra, AuD

The information that appears on this webpage was compiled by Dr. Robert M. DiSogra, FAAA, a New Jersey licensed audiologist.

An internet search for “essential oils for hearing loss” resulted in several commercial websites offering five types of oils for hearing loss. None were able to support their claims with evidence based research.

PubMed from the National Library of Medicine (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed) had no published articles in peer-reviewed journals suggesting that any essential oil can be effective specifically for vertigo/dizziness.

The following is the combined list of the (internet) recommended essential oils for hearing loss. They were cross referenced for any published research or documentation to support their indication for hearing loss.

NOTE: The US Food and Drug Administration has not approved any essential oil for hearing loss, tinnitus or vertigo/dizziness relief. This includes dietary supplements or nutraceuticals (see References)

References

1. DiSogra, RM. Over the counter tinnitus relief products. ESCO/Oaktree Products Publ. 2015

2. DiSogra, RM. Over-the-counter dietary supplements for tinnitus: do they really help? Tinnitus Today, Vol. 39, No. 3 December. pp.16-18, 2014

3. DiSogra, RM. OTC tinnitus relief products: why reading the label is important. Audiol Today July/August 2014

Types of Hearing Loss

1. Conductive Hearing Loss: the sound being "conducted" or sent to the hearing nerve is blocked in the ear canal, or at the ear drum (tympanic membrane) or in the middle ear (the space on the other side of the ear drum) or there is a problem with the Eustachian tube (the ventilation tube that regulates pressure in the ear). Conductive hearing losses affect the LOUDNESS of speech. The loss is usually temporary until the source of the problem is identified and resolved (medically or surgically).

2. Sensorineural Hearing Loss: the tiny hair cells in the cochlea (inner ear) are not functioning properly. The result is a distortion of sound. SPEECH IS NOT CLEAR or MUFFLED). There can also be ear noises associated with this type off loss. That noise is called tinnitus (TIN-nih-tus). There are many causes of sensorineural hearing loss. Some include noise exposure, aging, drug side effects, tumors or head trauma.

This type of loss is usually not surgically correctable however, hearing aids or a cochlear implant cold certainly improve hearing.

3. Mixed Hearing Loss: a combination of 1 and 2

To learn more about hearing loss or where to find an audiologist near where you live, go to the American Academy of Audiology website (www.audiology.org) or the Academy of Doctors of Audiology www.audiologist.org and click on the “Find An Audiologist.”

Disclaimer

The information that appears in this list is for informational purposes only!

The use of an essential oil or combination of oils is at your own risk.

Skin irritation at the site could occur.

Dr. DiSogra and www.GoDaddy.com are not responsible of any injury or harm that could occur from using any of the essential oils for hearing loss from the list.

The reader is advised to consult an otolaryngologist (ear doctor) or audiologist* about your hearing difficulties.

Use caution when using products that claim improved hearing from consumer testimonials rather than from information from evidence-based research.

* To find an audiologist near where you live, go to the American Academy of Audiology website (www.audiology.org) or the Academy of Doctors of Audiology www.audiologist.org and click on the “Find An Audiologist.”

The Main References Used For This Web

I. Gruenwald, J, Brendler T, Jaenicke, C. PDR for Herbal Medicines 2007 Thomson Healthcare Inc., Montvale, NJ

Because it is still extremely hard to come by reliable information on the swarm of unregulated "dietary supplements" in today's market-place, this new edition continues to provide the reader with the closest available analog to FDA-approved labeling—the findings of the German Regulatory Authority's herbal watchdog agency, commonly called "Commission E." This agency has conducted an intensive assessment of the peer-reviewed literature on some 300 common botanicals, weighing the quality of the clinical evidence and identifying the uses for which the herb can reasonably be considered effective.

PDR for Herbal Medicines is the product of one of the most thorough and inclusive examinations of the herbal literature ever undertaken.

In the United States, herbal products are marketed under the provisions of the Dietary Supplement and Health Education Act of 1994, which prohibits their sale for the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease. Enumeration of specific commercial preparations within an herbal monograph should not be construed as a claim or warranty of their efficacy for any purpose, by either the manufacturer or the publisher. Furthermore, it should be understood that, just as omission of a product does not signify rejection, inclusion of a product does not imply endorsement, and that the publisher is not advocating the use of any product or substance described herein.

II. PubMed www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed

PubMed originates from the National Institutes of Health, US National Library of Medicine. PubMed comprises more than 29 million citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, life science journals, and online books. Citations may include links to full-text content from PubMed Central and publisher web sites. The Search feature will identify articles by keywords or author(s). The service is free to the public.

Essential Oils for Hearing Loss

For Conductive Hearing Loss

Name Latin Name

1. Helichrysum Oil helichrysum immortelle, H. arenasrium

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For Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Name Latin Name

1. Cajeput Oil melaleuca leucadendra

2. Geranium Oil geranium maculatum

3. Helichrysum Oil helichrysum immortelle, H. arenasrium

4. Lavender Oil lavandula officinalis, lavandula angustifolia

5. Tea Tree Oil melaleuca alternifolia

For Mixed Hearing Loss

There are no essential oils specifically for mixed hearing loss.

Essential Oils for Hearing Loss

SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS

Cajeput Oil (melaleuca leucadendra)

What the Literature Says

There is one Herbal Monograph on cajeput from Commission E; treatment for hearing loss is not listed as an approved indication or usage.

Reference: Gruenwald, J, Brendler T, Jaenicke, C. PDR for Herbal Medicines 2007 Thomson Healthcare Inc., Montvale, NJ

PubMed did not identify any published research in their database to support claims that cajeput oil can be used to improve hearing loss.

Cajeput Oil Compounds

Chief constituents: cineol, (+)-alpha-terpineol, (-)-alpha-ter-pineol, (+)-alpha-terpineol valerate, (-)- alpha-terpineol valerate, furthermore alpha-pinenes and bicyclic sesquiterpenes, non-rectified oils also contain 3,5-dimethyl-4, 6-di-O-methyl-phloroacetophenone

Reference: Gruenwald, J, Brendler T, Jaenicke, C. PDR for Herbal Medicines 2007 Thomson Healthcare Inc., Montvale, NJ

Caution: Preparations containing the oil should not be applied to the faces of infants or small children (glottal spasm or bronchial spasm or even asthma-like attacks or respiratory failure might occur).

Reference: Gruenwald, J, Brendler T, Jaenicke, C. PDR for Herbal Medicines 2007 Thomson Healthcare Inc., Montvale, NJ

What the Internet Says

Some believers of natural treatment suggest cajeput essential oil can reverse hearing loss naturally. Massage a few drops of cajeput essential oil behind and in front of your ears to improve your ability to hear.

Reference: www.healthline.com/health/reverse-hearing-loss

Geranium Oil (geranium maculatum); also known as Cranesbill,

What the Literature Says

There is one Herbal Monograph on geranium (maculatum)/Cranesbill from Commission E; treatment for hearing loss is not listed as an approved indication or usage.

Reference: Gruenwald, J, Brendler T, Jaenicke, C. PDR for Herbal Medicines 2007 Thomson Healthcare Inc., Montvale, NJ

PubMed did not identify any published research in their database to support claims that geranium oil can be used for the treatment of hearing loss.

Geranium Oil Compounds

Cranesbill Herb: Tannins (30%): gallotannins

Cranesbill Root: Tannins (10 to 28%): gallotannins

Reference: Gruenwald, J, Brendler T, Jaenicke, C. PDR for Herbal Medicines 2007 Thomson Healthcare Inc., Montvale, NJ

What the Internet Says

The Center for Aromatherapy Research & Education (CARE)* teaches that PURIFY (brand name), GERANIUM and HELICHRYSUM are very helpful for restoring hearing loss.

Reference: www.raindroptraining.com

* The Center for Aromatherapy Research and Education, Inc. (CARE) is a nonsecular educational organization dedicated to assembling research and disseminating information on the healing properties and therapeutic applications of essential oils.

NOTE: The website did not have a SEARCH option to explain their rationale for using geranium and helichrysum for hearing loss

Helichrysum Oil (also known as Helichrysum immortelle, Helichrysum arenasrium)

What the Literature Says

There is one Herbal Monograph on geranium (maculatum)/Cranesbill from Commission E; treatment for hearing loss is not listed as an approved indication or usage.

Reference: Gruenwald, J, Brendler T, Jaenicke, C. PDR for Herbal Medicines 2007 Thomson Healthcare Inc., Montvale, NJ

PubMed did not identify any published research in their database to support claims that geranium oil can be used for the treatment of hearing loss.

Helichrysum Oil Compounds

Flavonoids: in particular isosalipurposide (intensive yellow chalcone glycoside), naringenin-5-glucosyl-gIucoside, helichrysin A and B (C-2-enantiomeric narigenin-5-O-glucosides, B-salipurposide).

Phthalides: including 5-methoxy-7-hydroxy-phthaIides and their monoglucoside.

Alpha-pyrone derivatives:arenole, homoarenole.

Sesquiterpene: bitter principles.

Volatile oil: traces;

Caffeic acid derivatives

Reference: Gruenwald, J, Brendler T, Jaenicke, C. PDR for Herbal Medicines 2007 Thomson Healthcare Inc., Montvale, NJ

What the Internet Says

“…this is one of the most powerful oil widely used in tinnitus [no supportive documentation with this statement]. Its capabilities to repair blood vessels and nerves and to reduce inflammation are the main reasons for it to be very effective in tinnitus symptom relief.”

Reference: www.homeremediesforall.com

Helichrysum oil is also known to drain excess fluids from the body. Thus, it effectively prevents the buildup of earwax. To increase the effect, combine Patchouli oil with Helichrysum oil.

Reference: https://howtocure.com/essential-oils-for-tinnitus/

NOTE: There was one Herbal Monographs on this plant from Commission E. Hearing loss is not listed as an approved usage.

If [hearing loss is] due to nerve damage, Helichrysum has shown the most success rate. Also as with any medication or medical plan, there are no guarantee’s, but then again you are probably already aware of that.

Reference: https://birchhillhappenings.com/hearing.htm

The Center for Aromatherapy Research & Education (CARE)* teaches that PURIFY (a brand name), GERANIUM and HELICHRYSUM are very helpful for restoring hearing loss.

* The Center for Aromatherapy Research and Education, Inc. (CARE) (www.raindroptraining.com) is a nonsecular educational organization dedicated to assembling research and disseminating information on the healing properties and therapeutic applications of essential oils.

NOTE: The website did not have a SEARCH option to explain their rationale for using geranium and helichrysum for hearing loss

Reference: www.raindroptraining.com

Supportive for healthy hearing, skin, blood pressure levels, nerves, respiratory and circulatory system, and veins.

Reference: https://hopewelloils.com/hearing-loss.php

Because helichrysum oil treats nerve damage it’s an excellent natural remedy for treating hearing loss. Many people have reported treating various forms of hearing loss with helichrysum oil

Reference: www.naturaloilsandbutters.com/helichrysum-essential-oil-hearing-loss/

Helichrysum (see above) + Lavender

Lavender Oil (lavandula officinalis, lavandula angustifolia); also known as English Lavender

What the Literature Says

There is one Herbal Monographs on lavender from Commission E; Lavender is not indicated for hearing loss.

Reference: Gruenwald, J, Brendler T, Jaenicke, C. PDR for Herbal Medicines 2007 Thomson Healthcare Inc., Montvale, NJ.

PubMed had no published research in their database to support claims that lavender oil could be used specifically for hearing loss.

Lavender Oil Compounds

Volatile oil (1-3%): chief components (-)-linalool (making up 20-50%) and linalyl acetate (30-40%), furthermore, including among others, cis-ocimene, terpinene-4-ol, betacaryophyllene, lavandulyl acetate

Hydroxycoumarins: including among others, umbelliferone, herniarin

Tannins (13%)

Caffeic acid derivatives: including among others, rosmaric acid

Reference: Gruenwald, J, Brendler T, Jaenicke, C. PDR for Herbal Medicines 2007 Thomson Healthcare Inc., Montvale, NJ

Externally, English Lavender is used in balneotherapy( body immersion) for treatment of functional circulatory disorders.

Lavender might decrease blood pressure in some people. Taking lavender along with medications used for lowering high blood pressure might cause blood pressure to go too low. Do not take too much lavender if you are taking medications for high blood pressure.

Reference: Gruenwald, J, Brendler T, Jaenicke, C. PDR for Herbal Medicines 2007 Thomson Healthcare Inc., Montvale, NJ

What the Internet Says

This procedure is very effective in improving and restoring hearing no matter what the cause of the loss - nerve damage, damage from re-occurring infections, loss due to consistent long term exposure to loud noise and even loss from emotional trauma. All respond very well to this treatment. Utilizing an extremely high frequency oil,* the electrical signal in the brain can be increased and hearing maximized.

Reference: www.space-age.com/aromatherapy/

NOTE: A healthy body typically has a frequency ranging from 62 to 78 MHz, while disease begins at 58 MHz. Clinical research shows essential oils, having the highest frequency of any natural substance known to man, can create an environment in which microbes, disease, bacteria, virus, fungus, etc., cannot live. Essential oils started at 52 MHz and went as high as 320 MHz

Reference: Pure Essential Oils Have Very High Frequency

www.robly.com/archive?id=358d1b92d37e2e505562a8bde5ba004b

Rub lavender on bottom of feet, especially 2 small toes & smallest fingers…tilt head to one side and apply/rub 1 drop of helichrysum into the cup of ear (located above the lobe) for easier location hold the lobe of the ear up a little)…At no time or under any circumstance should oil be dropped directly onto the eardrum or it could severely burn the eardrum causing severe injury.

Reference: www.space-age.com/aromatherapy/

If [hearing loss] is due to nerve damage, it appears to be a greater success rate, at least with improvement in hearing that may be gained.

Reference: https://birchhillhappenings.com/hearing.htm

Tea Tree Oil (melaleuca alternifolia)

What the Literature Says

There is one Herbal Monograph on Tea Tree from Commission E; Hearing loss is not listed under Indications and Usage.

Reference: Gruenwald, J, Brendler T, Jaenicke, C. PDR for Herbal Medicines 2007 Thomson Healthcare Inc., Montvale, NJ.

PubMed had no published research in their database to support claims that tea tree oil could be used specifically for hearing loss

Tea tree oil is usually used topically for the treatment of infections…but should not be taken orally.

Reference: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006.

Tea Tree Compounds

Terpinenes: Primarily terpinene-4-ol (45%), gamma-terpinene (18%), alpha-terpinene (8%),

1.8-cineole (6%), alpha-terpineol (5%), as well as alpha-pinene, limonene, p-cymol, terpinolene, viridiflorene

Reference: Gruenwald, J, Brendler T, Jaenicke, C. PDR for Herbal Medicines 2007 Thomson Healthcare Inc., Montvale, NJ.

What the Internet Says

Tea tree oil is believed by many to positively treat hearing loss and deafness. You should use this remedy with caution and be sure to mention it to your doctor before attempting. You can mix and then heat:

• 3 drops tea tree oil

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon colloidal vinegar

• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

You can then place the mixture into your ears and sit still for five minutes. Proponents claim that if you do this four times per day, you’ll see results after two days.

Reference: www.healthline.com/health/reverse-hearing-loss

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CONDUCTIVE HEARING LOSS

Helichrysum Oil (Helichrysum immortelle, Helichrysum arenasrium)

What the Literature Says

There is one Herbal Monograph on geranium (maculatum)/Cranesbill from Commission E; treatment for hearing loss is not listed as an approved indication or usage.

Reference: Gruenwald, J, Brendler T, Jaenicke, C. PDR for Herbal Medicines 2007 Thomson Healthcare Inc., Montvale, NJ

PubMed did not identify any published research in their database to support claims that helichrysum oil can be used for the treatment of hearing loss.

Helichrysum Oil Compounds

Flavonoids: in particular isosalipurposide (intensive yellow chalcone glycoside), naringenin-5-glucosyl-gIucoside, helichrysin A and B (C-2-enantiomeric narigenin-5-O-glucosides, B-salipurposide).

Phthalides: including 5-methoxy-7-hydroxy-phthaIides and their monoglucoside.

Alpha-pyrone derivatives:arenole, homoarenole.

Sesquiterpene: bitter principles.

Volatile oil: traces;

Caffeic acid derivatives

Reference: Gruenwald, J, Brendler T, Jaenicke, C. PDR for Herbal Medicines 2007 Thomson Healthcare Inc., Montvale, NJ

What the Internet Says

Helichrysum oil is also known to drain excess fluids from the body. Thus, it effectively prevents the buildup of earwax. To increase the effect, combine Patchouli oil with Helichrysum oil.

Reference: https://howtocure.com/essential-oils-for-tinnitus/

Helichrysum essential oil is a popular choice for many people with hearing problems. It can be combined with a carrier oil such as jojoba, sweet almond, or avocado and then applied directly to the skin or added to baths. For treatment of inflammatory disorders and chronic ear infections only, experts recommend rubbing a small amount behind the ear and down near the jaw line.

Reference: https://www.newsoundhearing.com/blog/hearing-loss-essential-oils/

Essential oils contain properties that can help the body fight what may be causing hearing loss. For example, eucalyptus… is also great for people with allergies, which could be contributing to some fluid behind the ears and even a muffled feeling.

Reference: www.everydayhearing.com/hearing-loss/articles/natural-remedies-for-hearing-loss/

Essential oils cannot cure sensorineural hearing loss, and there is no research to support claims that they can. However, that doesn't mean oils are without merit. Some oils have antibacterial properties, and combinations of oils are used in aromatherapy applications. Because some temporary hearing losses can be attributed to allergy flare ups and the common cold, using essential oils to alleviate these symptoms may indirectly stave off associated conductive, temporary hearing loss. In addition, untreated hearing loss has been definitively linked to higher levels of anxiety and feelings of depression. It is worth experimenting with oils such as lavender because it has proven calming effects that can soothe these byproducts of hearing loss.

Reference: www.healthyhearing.com/report/52790-Can-you-restore-your-lost-hearing

If [hearing loss is] due to deterioration or arthritis of the small bones in the ear - most likely there will be no improvement at all…Helichrysum can help if the hearing loss is due to infection and inflammation, and also in some cases of nerve damage. Results can be wonderful, with profound hearing returning, to much more subtle improvements with some hearing only restored after several months of use. Again, with an infection or inflammation, hearing restoration will depend on the length of time of the problem.

Reference: https://birchhillhappenings.com/hearing.htm

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MIXED HEARING LOSS

No Essential Oils were identified specifically for mixed hearing loss (conductive and sensorineural combined).

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Essential Oils for Ear Infections

The following information was taken from the New Health Advisor website and presented for informational purposes only. No supporting documentation has been provided.

Reference: www.newhealthadvisor.com/Essential-Oils-for-Ear-Infection.html

Lavender Oil “…to relieve earache caused by an infection.”

Olive Oil “…decreases the irritation in your inner and outer ear, but also helps open up the Eustachian tubes. It also produces soothing effects when it makes contact with the swollen eardrum.”

Tea Tree Oil “…has antibacterial and antiviral properties, so it's effective against ear infections caused by viruses or bacteria. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which means it can reduce inflammation and pain. Your earache is partly due to the build-up of fluid in your ear, but tea tree oil helps to dry it up, which in turn will reduce pain.

Oregano Oil “…among the most effective essential oils for ear infection; however, you should dilute it before use and avoid it if you are on blood thinning drugs.

Basil Essential Oil “… is an antiviral, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and a muscle relaxant, and is an effective way to treat ear infections as well as throat, respiratory, and lung infections.

Also In addition to being a powerful natural antibacterial, basil oil is also a proven muscle relaxant. Basil oil even has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the amount of discomfort you feel when battling an ear infection.

Reference: https://health.thefuntimesguide.com/essential-oils-for-ears/

Thyme Essential Oil “…has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-fungal properties due to the presence of an active compound called thymol. Using it regularly will help clear your ear infection and relieve pain.

Bishop's Weed Oil “…among some of the best essential oils for ear infections.

Peppermint Oil “…to treat your ear infection.”

Mustard Oil “may also help because it has antibacterial properties.”

Combine Sesame Oil with the castor plant leaves and heat it for some time. Strain it and leave it to cool. Pour a couple of drops of it in your affected ear for pain relief.

Conclusion

There are no essential oils approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for hearing loss.

Hearing loss is a symptom of a problem. The problem might be temporary or permanent. The reader is advised to see an otolaryngologist (ENT physician) and/or an audiologist to determine the CAUSE. After a diagnosis is made a treatment plan will be initiated and monitored professionally.

Consumer testimonials are no substitute for proper medical/audiological care.