Question
I have a similar story as Jean Ball. I have never had any hearing issues until I was adjusted by a physical therapist. It was a "ptetzal crunch" adjustment. A few days following the adjustment my hearing was muffled in my left ear. About 3 weeks after that I started being adjusted by my chiropractor. Within the 1st week (I had 3 adjustments in 1 week) my chiropractor solved my muffled hearing. About 3 months later I started having a loud wind rushing sound in my left ear. The hearing problems did not manifest itself until after the adjustment. I cant tell you how long afterwards, maybe the next day or a few days later. I mentioned my hearing problems to my chiropractor. I assumed the loss of hearing was a result of the adjustments because she had solved the hearing problem in the past. I figured if she could fix hearing problems she could probably cause them too. Between the PT and the chiro they causd and solved all kinds of ailments including sinus headaches. The doctor did another adjustment and the hearing loss changed from wind rushing to a ringing; hearing was worse. Following that I have had many other adjustments. The adjustments immediately following my complaint cleared the problem to where now I hear a soft ringing. I have had this loss of hearing for almost 7 months. I have also had my ear candled which made it worse for about 2 weeks.

I did see an ENT who said I have "nerve interference". The ENT did test my hearing after a chiropractic adjustment that made my hearing better and confirmed that I didnt have as much of a hearing loss as the 1st ENT visit. I was also given an MRI that showed negative results for a brain tumor. My ENT was of no help but suggested I get myself a hearing aid.

Does anyone have any other ideas of what I can do to clear up this hearing loss? I would prefer a naturopath treatment.

Answer
Dear Annette,

I don't know who Jean Ball is...   While you've already experienced changes in your hearing with different joint adjustment methods, there is little more I can offer in that regard.  My best suggestion is to have a thorough evaluation by a dental TMJ specialist - not just your average dentist, but a DMD that has thorough training in craniomandibular problems.  If you have a TMJ (your jaw joint) problem, that may interfere with your hearing.   Alterations in hearing have been reported with TMJ disorders.   You can also ask your chiropractor to perform a craniomandibular exam if he/she has the proper training to do so.   If you grind your teeth at night, have jaw clicking, popping or pain, have headaches at the side of your head, or find yourself having to open or protrude your jaw to get alleviation of any symptoms, then you may have a TMJ Disorder.   You surely can find more info on this if you Google it...  

'Hope this helps.

Dr. G