The Positive Effects of Yoga on Hearing Loss

Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years and is well-known for its incredible physical and mental health benefits. Interestingly, recent research and traditional wellness practices suggest that yoga can also help improve hearing health, reduce tinnitus symptoms, and strengthen the auditory system naturally.


🕉️ What Is Yoga?

Yoga is an ancient Indian discipline that combines movement (asanas), breath control (pranayama), and meditation (dhyana). Originally designed as a spiritual path to enlightenment, yoga has evolved into a holistic health practice used worldwide for stress relief, flexibility, and inner balance.

Whether you are a beginner learning simple poses or an advanced practitioner exploring deeper meditation, yoga can offer transformative benefits — including better hearing and ear health.


🌿 How Yoga Helps Improve Hearing

Practicing yoga regularly helps enhance your overall body functions — and your ears benefit too. Here’s how yoga supports hearing health:

Increases blood circulation to the ears – Promotes oxygen flow to the inner ear, which helps protect the auditory nerves.
Relaxes muscles and reduces tension – Eases tightness in the neck and shoulders that can affect ear circulation.
Releases feel-good hormones – Reduces stress and anxiety, common triggers for tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

Below are some specific yoga poses and breathing exercises known to support better hearing.


🧘‍♂️ Yoga Poses and Techniques for Hearing Health

1. Bhramari Pranayama (Bee Breath)

Bhramari Pranayama, also called Bee Breath, focuses on the ear, nose, and throat region. The humming sound produced during exhalation creates soothing vibrations in the ears and skull, stimulating auditory nerves and reducing tinnitus symptoms.

Steps:

  1. Sit comfortably in the Padmasana (Lotus Pose).

  2. Close your eyes and gently plug your ears using your index fingers.

  3. Inhale deeply through your nose.

  4. Exhale slowly while making a humming sound like a bee.

Repeat for 5–10 minutes daily.


2. Shunya Mudra (Gesture of Emptiness)

Also known as Akash Mudra, this hand gesture balances the space element within the body and is believed to relieve ringing in the ears, dizziness, and vertigo.

Steps:

  1. Sit in a comfortable position (Padmasana or Sukhasana).

  2. Bend your middle finger to touch the base of your thumb.

  3. Gently press the thumb over it.

  4. Keep the other fingers straight and relaxed.

Practice for 10–15 minutes daily.


3. Greeva Chalan (Neck Exercises)

Neck stiffness and poor blood circulation are common causes of hearing decline in older adults. Regular neck movements can help improve circulation to the ears.

Exercises Include:

  • Neck Flexion and Extension: Move your head gently up and down.

  • Lateral Flexion: Tilt your head sideways, touching your ear to your shoulder.

  • Rotation: Slowly turn your head right and left.

Perform each movement slowly 5–10 times.


4. Kumbhak (Breath Retention)

Kumbhak Pranayama focuses on holding the breath after inhalation or exhalation. It increases carbon dioxide levels in the blood, stimulating brain and ear functions.

Steps:

  1. Sit comfortably with your spine straight.

  2. Inhale deeply through both nostrils.

  3. Hold your breath while tucking your chin to your chest.

  4. Release your breath slowly through the nostrils.

Repeat for 5–10 rounds.


5. Viparita Karani (Legs Up the Wall Pose)

Known as the Legs Up the Wall Pose, this restorative position helps improve blood flow to the head and ears, calms the nervous system, and relieves tinnitus-related stress.

Steps:

  1. Sit beside a wall and lie on your back.

  2. Lift your legs vertically up the wall.

  3. Rest your arms beside your body with palms facing upward.

  4. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and relax for 5–10 minutes.


Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose)

6. Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward-Facing Dog Pose)

This anti-gravity pose improves blood flow to the brain, ears, and face, helping eliminate toxins and reduce stress — a major trigger for tinnitus.

Steps:

  1. Start on your hands and knees (table position).

  2. Exhale and lift your hips to form an inverted “V.”

  3. Straighten your legs and arms while keeping your head between your arms.

  4. Hold for 20–30 seconds and release.


7. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)

This asana helps open the chest and throat region, improving respiratory flow and relieving ear blockages or tinnitus caused by congestion.

Steps:

  1. Lie on your stomach with palms on the ground near your shoulders.

  2. Inhale and lift your chest upward, keeping your lower body on the floor.

  3. Hold the position for a few breaths and slowly return.


Matsyasana (Fish Pose)

8. Matsyasana (Fish Pose)

Matsyasana stretches the neck and improves blood flow to the brain and inner ear. It’s beneficial for age-related hearing decline.

Steps:

  1. Lie flat on your back with hands under your hips.

  2. Inhale, raise your chest, and tilt your head backward until the crown touches the floor.

  3. Hold the position for a few seconds while breathing steadily.

  4. Return slowly to the starting position.


🧩 Ways to Incorporate Yoga into Your Routine

  • Attend a local yoga class or virtual session with an instructor.

  • Practice short yoga and pranayama routines daily at home.

  • Use mobile apps or follow guided online sessions.

  • Combine yoga practice with regular hearing check-ups for the best results.


👂 The Importance of Hearing Check-Ups

While yoga can enhance ear health and reduce tinnitus, it’s important to remember that not all hearing loss can be treated through exercise.
If you or a loved one experience persistent hearing problems, visit an audiologist or ENT specialist for a professional evaluation.

At VR Speech and Hearing Clinic, our experienced audiologists provide:

  • Comprehensive hearing tests

  • Digital and rechargeable hearing aids

  • Tinnitus management

  • Counseling and rehabilitation

📞 Book a free consultation today: 9112717179


🌸 Conclusion

Yoga offers a natural and holistic approach to better hearing health by improving circulation, reducing stress, and enhancing overall wellness. Whether practiced alone or alongside medical treatment, it can be a powerful tool in maintaining ear health and preventing further hearing decline.

Start your journey toward better hearing and inner harmony today — your mind, body, and ears will thank you!

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