We know that the most effective treatment option for hearing loss is a pair of quality hearing aids that will help you hear all the sounds around you. Hearing aids are a relatively new invention, and history reveals that there have been some wacky hearing loss cures in the past.
Putting Things in the Ear to Cure Hearing Loss
Many of the common cures for hearing loss involved putting something in the ear. For example, Beethoven was instructed to put almond oil in his ear to cure his hearing loss. Another remedy involved frying peach pits in hog lard, and putting drops of this solution into the ear canal. Bear fat has also been used as a cure for hearing loss.
There have been a few very painful cures that were celebrated for reversing hearing loss. One popular cure was to put a twig into the ear, and keep it there at all time until the hearing loss disappeared. Other doctors recommended a vibrating contraption that would stimulate the nerves in the ear as a way to cure hearing loss.
Another treatment was to induce blistering in the ear by putting plaster into the ears. When the painful blisters popped and pus oozed from the ear, it was believed that toxins were draining from the body and hearing loss would be cured.
Finally, some doctors promoted the use of artificial eardrums to cure hearing loss. These small devices were designed to help sound reach the inner ear. However, inserting these artificial eardrums was extremely painful and damaging to the ear, and didn’t do anything to cure hearing loss.
Things to Do to Cure Hearing Loss
Along with putting things in the ear canal, there were a few remedies that involved action. People seemed willing to try anything to get rid of hearing loss, even if it meant risking their life and limbs. One cure for hearing loss was to climb to a high place and then jump down. The fall, which might result in broken bones or even death, was thought to reverse hearing loss and restore hearing. Bloodletting was a common cure for almost any ailment, and hearing loss was no exception. Doctors would prescribe bloodletting as a way to relieve pressure in the ears and cure hearing loss.
Oral Remedies for Hearing Loss
There have always been a lot of oral remedies for hearing loss as well. Many herbs have been used to try to cure hearing loss, and herbalists have used various recipes to restore hearing. Many drugs, such as opium, were also touted as a cure for hearing loss. Even a certain brand to snuff tobacco claimed to be able to cure hearing loss.
Modern Cures for Hearing Loss
Not all cures are a thing of the past. Today there are people who think hearing loss can be cured using some remedy or supplement. One modern cure for hearing loss is hypnosis, and some people believe that a hypnotist can solve hearing loss issues. Another modern cure is the hearing loss pill, containing several vitamins and minerals. While taking supplements is great for your overall health, this pill claims to restore natural hearing, but includes a strong disclaimer that results are not guaranteed.
Treating Hearing Loss
Thankfully, we now understand how the ears work, and we know that hearing loss is caused by damage to the cells in the inner ear. None of these ancient or modern remedies can cure hearing loss, because the damage to the cells can’t be reversed. Rather than looking for a cure for hearing loss, the best thing you can do for your hearing health is to treat your hearing loss with a quality pair of hearing aids. They’ll help you hear clearly in a variety of listening environments, and give you all the benefits of clear hearing.
From old wives’ tales to superstitions to medical quacks, these crazy cures for hearing loss were popular even after the invention of hearing aids. While some are funny and other are just plain scary, we can all agree we wouldn’t want to try any of these cures. Treating hearing loss with hearing aids is the best way to enjoy a life of clear hearing, and avoid further damage to your ears.