Could Yoga Help with Hearing Loss?

While most instances of hearing loss are irreversible, and a diagnosis for irreversible hearing loss will require a few modifications in your life, there is a way through to the other side. Making an appointment and discussing intervention options with an audiologist at the Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services is a perfect first step in moving into a happier life with hearing loss. Beyond that, there are a number of tools and methods to make life with hearing loss a little easier.

One such tool that is easily incorporated into any lifestyle is Yoga. Very adaptable and compatible to any fitness level, Yoga is an excellent therapy for both the body and mind. Limbering the spine, releasing tension and bringing a grounded mindfulness practice into your daily life are just some of the ways a regular Yoga class can relieve the stresses and symptoms of hearing loss.

Yoga in our culture

Initially introduced into American culture way back at the very tail end of the 19th century, the fitness focused Yoga that we see these days is a result of the exercise’s “boom” in the 1980s. Today, many people seek out yoga as a way to release stress, stretch the body and strengthen muscles.

Of course, Instagram and social media are peppered heavily with people doing crazy handstands and arm balances as examples of yogic mastery. However, there’s so much more to yoga than photogenic acrobatics. In our fitness crazed culture, there is a tendency to prioritize the Yoga Body: lithe and athletic. However, that’s not what is actually at the root of this tradition. Yoga is part of a larger spiritual practice that invites you to take part in a mindful way of being in your body and in the world. You’re not by any means required to dive deep into all eight “limbs,” or elements, of the Yoga wheel. If you’re only interested in practicing the asanas, or physical poses of Yoga, there are a myriad of benefits available to you.

Let’s get physical

The physical benefits of Yoga are significant. And there are ways in which the practice could actually result in better hearing, or at least assist in protecting the hearing capabilities we start with. For instance, much work is done to elongate and stretch the spine and neck. Postures such as downward dog and cat/cow stretches do more than invoke thoughts of a barnyard gang. They’re particularly good for increasing blood flow to the head and neck region, and thus, to the ear. As we know, the function of the inner ear and our auditory systems rely heavily upon normal blood flow and its constriction can exacerbate hearing loss.

Beyond the body

However, perhaps the most dramatic results of a consistent Yoga practice happen within the mind and our emotional state. There is a very specific focus on breathing in a Yoga class. During a sequence, students are often instructed to consciously moderate and match the breath to the physical postures they’re taking. This attention to breathing mimics the effects of conscious breathing in meditation. Though the Yoga posture you’re attempting might be physically demanding, slowing the breath deliberately actually lowers the heart rate and calms the nervous system. Then, Yoga students go out into the world and encounter difficult and stressful situations. If what they’ve been practicing in class sticks, they’re more able to maintain composure and mental calmness despite the demanding situation.

For someone with hearing loss, these challenging scenarios might mean having to participate in a confusing conversation where they’re fearful of mishearing important information. Or, it could mean a stressful group dining situation where their listening becomes effortful. Instead of becoming besieged with feelings of inadequacy, knowing how to calm yourself and remain emotionally composed becomes an invaluable tool.

The ear of the beholder

The real question you should ask yourself after a few yoga classes is: does Yoga make me feel better? If the answer is yes, then by all means, carry on! A great thing about Yoga is that it doesn’t require conversation.

However, those with hearing loss would be smart to grab a spot where they can keep an eye on one of the class’s seasoned practitioners so that they don’t have to worry about verbal cues. And, most importantly, take a moment to appreciate how good it can feel to spend an hour with no other goal in mind than to move your body in silence.

You don’t have to live with untreated hearing loss! To schedule a hearing exam and consultation, contact us today at Orange County Physicians’ Hearing Services.