Abstract

*Dr. Ritu Kumari, Prof. Dr. Manoj Kumar, Prof. Dr. Ashu

ABSTRACT

Shira is the part of the body where life along with sense faculties resides. There are five Gyanendriyan (Shira sense organs) mentioned by our Acharyas. Among them, the functional aspect of hearing is “Shravanendriya”. The seat of Shravanendriya is Karna..Hearing is an important medium, which keeps one connected to other and with the surroundings. Hearing impairment (~Badhirya) means complete or partial loss of the ability. According to Acharya Sushruta, vitiated Vata dosha along with Kapha dosha in Sira (~vein) occupies Shabdanuvaha Sira (~auditory nerve) in Shrotrendriya (~organ of hearing), leads to Srotorodha (~obstruction of channels), and further ignorance of this condition leads to Badhirya. However, vitiated Vata is the cause of Badhirya, according to Madhavakara and Videha. Vata Dosha Pradhan Badhirya can be correlated with Sensory Neural Hearing Loss (SNHL). SNHL is a type of hearing loss in which the root cause lies in the inner ear or sensory organ (cochlea and associated structures) or the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII).It is estimated that over 60% of such hearing loss could be avoided through preventive measures. Ayurvedic management in Badhirya is based on Vatavyadhi Chikitsa Vidhi (~neuroprotective treatment) and Rasayana Chikitsa (~rejuvenation therapy). These principles probably help in regeneration and repair of damaged hair cells which leads to improved hearing. This present study is planned to evaluate the efficacy of Erandadi Taila Karnapoorana along with Goghtitapana in management of badhriya (SNHL). A clinical single arm study containing 30 patients receive Erandadi taila along with Goghritpana to establish an effective ayurvedic management for SNHL.