Is there still a chance for improvement if acupuncture doesn't work for sudden hearing loss?

Sometimes, receiving acupuncture for sudden hearing loss doesn't produce the expected changes. However, it’s not because "your body isn't suited for acupuncture."

In reality, unlike hospitals where treatments are standardized, acupuncture clinics vary greatly in their level of expertise, knowledge, diagnostic equipment, and treatment philosophies.

・Do they have specialized knowledge of the ear?
・Do they perform hearing tests?
・Do they assess the condition of the entire body?
・Are they looking beyond just the ear to "blood circulation" and the "autonomic nervous system"?

Depending on these factors, the body's reaction to the "same" needle can change completely. Just because you didn't see results at one clinic, it is too early to conclude that "acupuncture doesn't work."

Many people who come to our clinic tell us that "they didn't get better at other acupuncture clinics."

However, by thoroughly examining the body’s condition and performing treatments tailored to your current state, symptoms that had remained stagnant can often begin to shift little by little.

Just as you might seek a "second opinion" by changing doctors at a hospital, switching acupuncture clinics can be very meaningful, as it may change the entire direction of your treatment.

Another reason is that symptoms may have progressed to a point where recovery is physically more difficult.

With sudden hearing loss, the longer it has been since onset, the more the functions of the ear and brain may "get used to that state." In a sense, the body "memorizes" this level of hearing as its new normal.

In such cases, simply improving blood flow alone may not produce a significant change. This is why some people feel that "acupuncture didn't make a difference."

However, the important point here is that "hearing not returning completely" does not mean "nothing can be done."

At our clinic, in addition to acupuncture, we perform sound therapy (auditory rehabilitation) to balance the connection between the ear and the brain.

Even if the hearing levels themselves do not change drastically, it is common to see improvements such as: ・Tinnitus becoming milder ・Reduced sound distortion/echoing ・Conversations becoming easier

When acupuncture doesn't seem to work, the reason isn't that "acupuncture is bad." It's either that the method wasn't a good match, or the condition of the ear has changed.

Over 40 years, we have seen more than 140,000 patients with hearing loss. Through this experience, we have learned that there are specific reasons behind every case where treatment "didn't work."

Which state are you in right now? Carefully identifying that is the first step toward improvement.

Before you think "it might be hopeless," please come and consult with us first.

Our Sound Therapy involves creating a personalized "Sound Therapy CD" based on your hearing test results, which you simply listen to through earphones. There are no complicated operations involved; you just listen to the sounds in a relaxed state, putting no physical strain on your body.

By balancing the functions of the ears and brain through sound, many patients find that "sounds have become a bit easier to hear" or "tinnitus is less bothersome than before."

By combining auditory rehabilitation with acupuncture, the balance between the ears and brain is restored, and many patients experience a significant reduction in their distressing hearing symptoms.

It is generally said that sudden hearing loss becomes harder to treat as more time passes. However, at our clinic, we have seen many cases of improvement through the combination of acupuncture and sound therapy, even for patients whose symptoms started several months prior.

・Reduced tinnitus intensity
・Decreased sound distortion/hypersensitivity
・Improved speech clarity in meetings or crowded areas

While we firmly aim for the improvement of hearing levels, we place equal importance on "making your daily life even a little bit easier."

Even if hearing does not fully return to its original state, daily life becomes remarkably more manageable through changes such as: "The high-pitched tinnitus hardly bothers me anymore," "The clogged feeling in my ears has lifted, and my head feels clearer," or "I feel less anxious about dizziness, making it easier to go out."

We have received feedback from many patients saying, "My tinnitus eased up, and I can finally get a good night's sleep," and "I can focus on conversations again, and my outlook has become much brighter."

By alleviating the symptoms that are causing you pain right now, even by a small margin, you can lead your daily life with greater peace of mind. We sincerely hope to help you achieve that.

At our clinic, we believe that the root cause of sudden hearing loss always lies somewhere within the body. If medication or other acupuncture clinics haven't provided a cure, we begin by focusing on improving your overall constitution (body type and internal balance).

Acupuncture is effective for constitutional improvement as it helps regulate the autonomic nervous system, promote blood circulation, and boost immunity. By performing a comprehensive whole-body examination, we can identify the underlying cause and provide more targeted, effective treatment. If you are struggling or have any questions, please feel free to contact us anytime.