Management of Sensorineural Hearing Loss (Badhirya) through Karna Purana with Bilva Taila: A Clinical Study and Audio metrical Correlation

Abstract

Background: Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL), structurally correlated with the Ayurvedic entity Badhirya, is characterized by the degeneration of cochlear hair cells, pathology of the vestibulocochlear nerve (VIIIth cranial nerve), or dysfunction within central auditory processing pathways. Contemporary biomedical management remains largely limited to assistive technologies such as hearing aids and cochlear implants, which facilitate sound amplification or artificial nerve stimulation but do not reverse the underlying cellular degeneration. Karna Purana (local ear instillation) with Bilva Taila provides a localized, lipophilic, non-invasive therapeutic intervention designed to counter Vata-Kapha pathology, clear micro-channel obstructions, and provide neuro-nutritional support to the inner ear. Aims & Objectives: To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy of Karna Purana utilizing Bilva Taila in the management of mild-to-profound SNHL, and to establish a robust scientific correlation between subjective clinical symptom indices and objective Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) data. Methods: A prospective, open-label, single-arm clinical trial was executed with a cohort of 60 patients presenting with verified SNHL. The therapeutic intervention comprised localized Poorva Karma (mild Abhyanga and Nadi Swedana) followed by Pradhana Karma consisting of Karna Purana with  lukewarm Bilva Taila (held for 100 Matra Kala / approximately 15 minutes per ear) over a 14-day protocol. Quantitative and qualitative assessments were performed at Day 0 (Baseline), Day 15 (Post-treatment), and Day 45 (Follow-up). Primary subjective endpoints included gradations of Badhirya (hearing deficit), Karnanada (tinnitus), and Karna Gaurava (ear fullness). The primary objective endpoint was change in Pure Tone Average air conduction (AC) and bone conduction (BC) thresholds measured across frequencies ranging from 250 Hz to 8000 Hz. Results: Statistical analysis of post-treatment metrics demonstrated highly significant (P < 0.001) improvements across all clinical symptoms. Objective audiometric analysis revealed a statistically significant reduction in mean hearing thresholds, particularly in low-to-mid frequencies (250 Hz - 2000 Hz), with an overall mean reduction in Pure Tone Average of 8.73 dB HL. Subjective relief from Karnanada (tinnitus) demonstrated a strong positive correlation with the recovery of hearing thresholds within the corresponding damaged frequency zones. Conclusion: Karna Purana with Bilva Taila is a clinically viable, safe, and effective Ayurvedic intervention for stabilizing and improving auditory thresholds in SNHL. The therapeutic mechanism integrates the trans-tympanic diffusion of lipophilic phytochemicals with local thermal and neuro-vascular stimulation, providing an empirical bridge between traditional otology and modern neuro-otological diagnostics.

KEYWORDS: Hearing Loss (Badhirya), Karna Purana, Bilva Taila,