Hearing – FACTS 
Hearing is the process of perceiving sound by detecting vibrations and changes in pressure through the ear, the auditory system. Hearing is one of the special senses and any partial or total inability to hear is referred to as hearing loss. The cause of hearing loss can be a result of aging, genetics, presbycusis (loss of hearing over time), or trauma to the ear or head. Hearing loss can also be the result of external damage, like loud noise.
The outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear are the three main components of the auditory system. Hearing is evaluated by using an audiometer, which can estimate the degree of hearing loss. There are four degrees of hearing loss which are mild, moderate, severe, and profound. In mild hearing loss, the quietest sounds are heard between 25-40 dB; moderate hearing loss is 40-70 dB; severe hearing loss is 70-95dB, and greater than 95dB for profound hearing loss. Hearing loss is typically treated with hearing aids or hearing implants.
There are three different types of hearing loss: Conductive, Sensorineural, and Mixed. Conductive hearing loss occurs when there is a problem with transferring sound waves anywhere along the pathway from the outer ear, ear drum, and the middle ear. Sensorineural hearing loss has more to do with the inner ear, which houses important nerves and structures. Sensorineural hearing loss is more common and is usually permanent. Mixed type hearing loss is a mixture of both conductive and sensorineural.
Sound information travels to the brain by way of the auditory nerve, which is then interpreted by the nervous system. The nervous system controls and coordinates all functions of the body and structural shifts in the spine can occur that obstruct the nerves and interfere with their function. By removing the structural shifts, chiropractic can impact hearing as it improves nerve supply and function.
Chiropractic Helps Hearing Difficulties
The 10-year-old girl reported on in the study had a history of hearing difficulties and ear infections. She failed several hearing tests, had surgeries and tried medications which did not help her as her problems would resurface.
The chiropractor examined her and found structural shifts in her neck and low back. Restrictions and areas of pain were also noted in those regions of the spine. X-rays and other testing confirmed these findings. These structural shifts can lead to obstruction of the nerves and it is this obstruction, called vertebral subluxations, that chiropractors correct.
Following chiropractic care, she experienced relief as her hearing was restored, which was confirmed by a hearing test. The study’s author called for additional research to investigate the clinical implications of chiropractic in this population.
Reference
Improved Hearing in a 10-Year-Old Child with a History of Otitis Media Following Subluxation-Based Chiropractic Care: A Case Study. Parker Adams, DC & Erica Kiela, DC. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ Volume, 2021
