Is there a way to treat sudden hearing loss?

When I search online, many different treatments come up, but I'm confused about what actually works.
Are there any self-care methods I can do at home or ways to improve my chances of recovery?

Mr. J.S., Nagano City

To recover from sudden hearing loss, it is crucial to first ensure consistent blood flow to the inner ear.
If your body is cold or your circulation is poor, the components of your medication may not reach the inner ear effectively, which can hinder the recovery process.

Therefore, warming your body to improve circulation is one of the most effective self-care methods you can do at home. I will explain the details of "how exactly to warm your body" in the following sections.

However, if you do not see sufficient improvement even after warming your body, it is possible that blood flow is still not reaching the inner ear due to neck misalignment or the influence of the autonomic nervous system.

At our clinic, we assess these conditions through a full-body examination and, if necessary, use acupuncture to clear the pathways for better blood flow.

Acupuncturist Kaito Miyahara

あわせて読みたい

Warming the body can facilitate recovery from sudden sensorineural hearing loss

When the body is properly warmed, blood circulation to the inner ear improves, creating an environment that promotes recovery.

In cases of sudden hearing loss, insufficient blood flow to the inner ear can weaken the delicate tissues responsible for sensing sound. By warming the body, overall circulation becomes smoother, making it easier for essential nutrients and oxygen to reach and repair the ear.

Try incorporating gentle habits to warm your body, such as taking a relaxing bath or applying a warm towel to your neck and shoulders. Simply loosening the muscles around your shoulders can help blood flow more effectively to your ears.

However, water that is too hot can cause the body to tense up, which may actually hinder circulation. Aim for a comfortable, soothing warmth that you can enjoy consistently.

Learn more here

Is it okay to take a bath or visit a hot spring with sudden hearing loss?

Why warming the body helps medications (Steroids, Adephos Kowa, Methycobal) work more effectively

Medications such as Steroids, Adephos Kowa, and Methycobal exert their effects by being carried through the bloodstream to the inner ear.

However, if the body is cold or circulation is weak, it becomes difficult for the medicine to reach deep into the ear, which can lead to the feeling that the treatment "isn't working."

At our clinic, we refer to this state where weak systemic circulation hinders medication delivery as an "Infarction-prone constitution" (Kosoku-taishitsu). Simply put, it is a physical constitution where blood flow tends to become stagnant.

Especially for those whose calves, hands, or feet get cold easily, the body's pumping function weakens. This makes it harder for sufficient blood to reach the inner ear, which may prevent the full effects of the medication from being realized.

By warming the body, blood vessels relax and circulation improves throughout the body. This opens the path for medication to reach its destination, helping many patients feel the effects more clearly.

The thermal images below show an example of a patient whose calf blood flow improved through acupuncture treatment. As circulation improves, the entire body warms up more easily, which in turn has a positive impact on blood flow to the ears.

Before Treatment

Calf with poor blood flow and low temperature | Before acupuncture

After Treatment

Calf with improved blood flow and increased temperature | After acupuncture

In this way, creating a state where blood flows easily is the first step toward maximizing the effectiveness of your medication.

What if you don't feel the effects of medication even after warming your body?

If you do not feel much improvement from Steroids, Adephos Kowa, or Methycobal even after warming your body, there is a possibility that sufficient blood flow is still not reaching the deep parts of the ear.

While administering steroids immediately after onset can lead to recovery, they are not always fully effective for everyone. In many cases, hospitals will subsequently prescribe Adephos Kowa or Methycobal to support blood circulation and nerve function.

If symptoms persist despite these efforts, it doesn't necessarily mean the medication is ineffective; rather, the "circulatory pathways" required for the medicine to reach the ear may not be functioning properly. For those with severely cold hands, feet, or calves, or those prone to tension in the neck and shoulders, blood flow to the inner ear can become stagnant, making it difficult to experience the full benefits of the medication.

In fact, many patients who visit our clinic share that their symptoms "did not change much even after continuing their prescriptions," and it is often at this stage that many begin exploring alternative treatment options.

Cases where blood flow fails to reach the "Inner Ear" despite warming the body

Regarding sudden sensorineural hearing loss, some doctors view it as "a state where blood flow in the ear suddenly stagnates," while others even describe it as an "ear infarction." This perspective suggests that, much like a cerebral infarction (stroke), it occurs as a result of a temporary imbalance or localized disruption of blood flow within the body.

In practice, many cases are said to develop at times when it is difficult for sufficient blood to circulate to the inner ear—such as at night when blood pressure drops, or during meals when blood flow is concentrated in the stomach and intestines.

While these circulatory imbalances can be influenced by lifestyle factors like high blood pressure or diabetes, constitutional and genetic factors may also play a role. If immediate family members have experienced a stroke or myocardial infarction (heart attack), you may have an inherited predisposition for stagnant blood flow.

When such a constitutional background exists, there are cases where blood flow does not sufficiently reach the depths of the ear, even if you warm your body or use medication.

Infarction-prone constitution | Immediate family members

Acupuncture therapy to balance the autonomic nervous system, align the neck, and restore blood flow to the inner ear

Medications such as Steroids, Adephos Kowa, and Methycobal take effect only when they are carried through the bloodstream to the inner ear. However, if your body is under constant tension due to persistent stress or an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system, blood vessels can constrict, making it difficult for blood to reach the depths of the ear.

Particularly in a state of chronic stress, the sympathetic nervous system becomes overactive, which hinders the body's natural ability to recover. Since the recovery of sudden hearing loss requires an ample supply of blood to the inner ear, regulating the autonomic nervous system is crucial.

Furthermore, misalignment of the neck (such as scoliosis or twisting) can compress the vertebral arteries that supply blood to the inner ear. This can create a situation where blood flow "fails to reach the inner ear" regardless of whether you warm your body or take medication. In many cases, it is only after aligning the neck that blood flow improves and symptoms begin to move toward recovery.

At our clinic, we perform a comprehensive full-body examination to assess blood flow, autonomic nervous system function, and neck alignment. When necessary, we use acupuncture to clear the path for deep-seated blood flow. By monitoring changes in surface temperature and circulation throughout the treatment, we aim to prepare your body so that your prescribed medications can work to their full potential.

Before Treatment

Face with low temperature due to stress | Before acupuncture

After Treatment

Face with improved blood flow and increased temperature | After acupuncture

Prioritizing deep sleep is essential for a faster recovery

To accelerate recovery from sudden hearing loss, it is vital to first give both your body and mind sufficient rest. Please try to avoid overexerting yourself and stay as restful as possible.

Ideally, staying in a hospital to ensure a quiet environment is best. However, for those who find hospitalization difficult or cannot get enough rest at home, some choose to recuperate at a hotel or similar quiet location during their treatment period. This highlights just how much "optimizing your environment" can impact recovery.

Furthermore, after acupuncture treatment, your body begins to actively work on its own repair. By getting plenty of sleep, your body's natural healing power (innate recovery ability) is enhanced during non-REM sleep.

Continued lack of sleep or pushing yourself too hard can disrupt your blood flow and autonomic nervous system balance, potentially delaying recovery. To maximize the effectiveness of your treatment, please consider "proper rest" as an integral part of your healing process.

Author Information

Written by

Kaito Miyahara, Acupuncturist at Moriue Acupuncture and Orthopedic Clinic

A former high school soccer player who competed at the national level. After facing the high barriers of going professional, he chose the path of acupuncture. With exceptional grit and mental fortitude, he has steadily overcome every challenge set by the clinic director and is achieving significant results in acupuncture treatment for sudden hearing loss.

About Our Clinic

We are an acupuncture and orthopedic clinic located in Suzaka, Nagano Prefecture.

Acupuncturists and staff at Moriue Acupuncture and Orthopedic Clinic

We perform comprehensive full-body examinations using hearing tests, medical thermography, cardiovascular ultrasound, and Moiré topography to provide acupuncture treatments that address the root causes of sudden hearing loss.

Quickly Identifying the Cause

6 Key Examinations at Our ENT-Specialized Acupuncture Clinic

Hearing Test (Audiometry)

By checking both bone and air conduction across a wide frequency range to confirm your ability to "distinguish sounds," we select the specific acupuncture points that will maximize the treatment's effectiveness.
Eustachian Tube Function Test

Utilizing unique testing equipment available in Japan, we check for Eustachian tube dysfunction and incorporate these findings into acupuncture treatments designed to improve hearing.
Eardrum and Middle Ear Test

We evaluate eardrum mobility and middle ear air pressure. These results are utilized in acupuncture treatments for aftereffects of otitis media or facial nerve paralysis.
Body Distortion

Curvature in the neck can compress the vertebral artery, impairing blood flow to the brain and inner ear. We confirm this with Moiré topography and provide acupuncture to correct the misalignment.
Blood Flow Abnormalities

Since a decline in natural healing power often manifests as circulatory issues, we use cardiovascular ultrasound to check the neck and limbs, performing acupuncture to improve blood flow.
Stress Levels

Stress that hinders recovery shows up in body surface temperature. We use medical thermography to assess this and provide acupuncture to balance the autonomic nervous system.

Patient Testimonials

Ms. Y.T.Nagano Prefecture

Otitis Media with Effusion

Ear fullness has been relieved

I developed otitis media with effusion, possibly because I couldn't "pop" my ears during the Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy I had for sudden hearing loss. I was struggling with ear fullness and stiff shoulders, but thanks to the acupuncture, I feel much better. I want to keep getting quality sleep and improve my condition even further!
Ms. S.T.Shizuoka Prefecture

Stress-related Sudden Hearing Loss

Visiting with a positive mindset

I was told that relaxation is key to recovering from sudden hearing loss, so I focused on enjoying my trip to Nagano rather than just worrying about "curing" it. There was a day-trip hot spring nearby, so I sometimes stopped there before heading home. My progress since then has been great, and I've recovered enough to return to work!
Mr. H.A.Kanagawa Prefecture

Sudden Hearing Loss Unresponsive to Steroids

Tinnitus improved!

Because I have diabetes, I received steroid IV drips while controlling my blood sugar, but it didn't help at all. I was anxious every single day thinking about the future. However, after starting acupuncture at Moriue, my tinnitus significantly improved within a week! I never expected to see such results. I am truly grateful from the bottom of my heart.

*These "Patient Testimonials" are individual experiences.
Treatment methods and results vary depending on the condition.
Since the root cause of discomfort varies from person to person, we perform a full-body examination before proposing a treatment plan tailored to each patient.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us via the "Free Consultation Now" button.