Ayurvedic Management of Otitis Media With Effusion Associated With Badhirya (Mixed Hearing Loss): A Case Report

Background: Otitis Media with Effusion (OME), commonly referred to as middle ear effusion, is characterized by the accumulation of non-purulent fluid within the middle ear cavity without acute signs of infection. Persistent middle ear effusion may result in conductive or mixed hearing loss, tinnitus, heaviness in the ear, and impairment in daily activities. In Ayurveda, the clinical presentation of OME can be correlated with Kapha-Vataja Badhirya, where Kapha causes obstruction in the auditory passages and vitiated Vata leads to impairment of auditory perception. Material and Methods: A 60-year-old male patient presented to the Shalakya Tantra outpatient department with complaints of diminished hearing in the right ear, whistling sound in the ear, heaviness, and pain during swallowing and mouth opening for one month. Previous treatment with antihistamines and antibiotics provided no significant relief. Management and Intervention: The patient was managed with Ayurvedic treatment including Punarnavashtaka Kwatha, Chandraprabha Vati, Gokshuradi Guggulu, Varunadi Kwatha, Virechana Dhoomapana, local application of Musta, Shunthi, and Gokshura Choorna, along with saline water and Haridra gargling. Result : Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) before treatment revealed moderate to moderately severe mixed hearing loss with a PTA average of 56.67 dB in the right ear. Following treatment, the PTA average improved to 23.33 dB. Significant improvement was observed in hearing ability, tinnitus, ear heaviness, and discomfort during swallowing. No adverse drug reactions were reported during treatment or follow-up. Conclusion: This case report suggests that Ayurvedic management may provide beneficial outcomes in Otitis Media with Effusion associated with mixed hearing loss. The combined use of internal medications and local therapeutic procedures helped reduce symptoms and improved auditory function.