Review on Conceptual Study of Karna Nada in Correlation With Tinnitus

Shalakya Tantra is one of the eight principal branches of Aṣhtanga Ayurveda, concerned with the diagnosis and management of diseases affecting structures above the clavicle, including the eyes, nose, throat, ear, and head. Karna Nada is described as one among the twenty-eight Karṇa Rogas in classical Ayurvedic texts such as Susruta Saṃhita, Bhavaprakasha, and Yoga Ratnakara. Clinically, Karna Nada can be correlated with Tinnitus as described in modern medical literature. According to Ayurvedic principles, when Vata Dosha becomes localized in the auditory channels of the ear, the individual perceives abnormal sounds resembling those of a Bheri, Mṛudanga, Shankha, and similar instruments; this condition is termed Karna Nada. The prevalence of tinnitus among the adult population is estimated to range between 6% and 19%, indicating its significant impact on quality of life. Various theories have been proposed in contemporary medicine, to explain the underlying mechanisms of Tinnitus. Ayurvedic management includes therapeutic procedures such as Snigdha Virechana, Naḍi Sveda, Piṇḍa Sveda, Dhupana, Basti Karma, Navana Nasya, Abhyanga, and Karnapooraṇa. In modern medicine, treatment modalities comprise medical and surgical interventions, pharmacotherapy, acoustic therapy, counselling and patient education, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT), and electrical stimulation.