Way back in the day, when a rock band came to your town, you gathered your friends, put on make-up (girls and boys), and stood as close to the speakers as was physically possible without lifting off.

If you were lucky, the ringing in your ears lasted only two days. Today, we are permanently connected.

Whether temporary or permanent, struggling to hear clearly turns even the simplest conversations into a guessing game. And while cupping your ear might seem like a quick fix, it usually just amplifies the awkwardness rather than the sound.

Hearing loss can stem from a variety of causes, some as mundane as a stubborn wax buildup and others more complex, like age-related degeneration or exposure to loud noises.

Other causes include ear infections, injury, or blockages, while some cases are linked to underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or otosclerosis (abnormal bone growth around small bones in the ear). Understanding the root of your hearing difficulties is the first step toward effective treatment.

A common culprit is swimmer’s ear, or otitis externa, which occurs when water becomes trapped in the ear canal, the narrow passage leading from the outer ear to the eardrum, often due to a buildup of wax.

This trapped moisture creates an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi, leading to infection and discomfort. When this happens, inflammation occurs which can lead to temporary muffled haring which may take days or weeks to resolve.

A safe, gentle, and highly effective remedy for clearing wax from the ear canal is the use of ear drops made with the herb mullein (Verbascum thapsus). When infused in olive oil, mullein works to soften and dislodge accumulated earwax while soothing pain and inflammation in the outer ear.

If you’re prone to wax buildup, consider visiting your GP to have your ears professionally flushed before diving into your ocean swimming season. Clearing out excess wax beforehand can help prevent blockages and reduce the risk of developing swimmer’s ear.

Tinnitus, often dubbed the world’s most persistent imaginary DJ, is the sensation of sound such as ringing, buzzing, or humming, playing on loop in your ears, all without a single external noise to blame.

Tinnitus isn’t a disease, frustratingly but rather a symptom, often the result of underlying causes like brief exposure to abnormally loud noises, ear infections, or nasal allergies. Think of it as your ear’s way of letting you know something’s off, in the most annoying way possible.

Damage to the delicate structures in the inner ear can be helped with the use of the herb ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) which boosts circulation to the microscopic blood vessels in the ear.

The leaves of the ginkgo tree contain terpenoids, compounds that boost circulation by promoting blood flow and inhibiting platelet aggregation, the process where small blood fragments stick together to form clots. This helps maintain smoother, more efficient blood flow, helping to repair any damage in the inner ear and reducing the ringing sensation.

If you’re fortunate enough to have a ginkgo tree nearby – whether in a park, along a council verge, or even in the heart of a city (Wellington’s Lambton Quay is lined with them) – you’ve got the perfect opportunity to brew your own medicinal herbal cuppa.

Each year, when ginkgo trees shed their leaves, it’s often referred to as ‘ginkgo rain,’ as the leaves tend to fall in a beautiful, synchronised flurry, sometimes within just two to three hours. These fallen leaves can be gathered to create your own tea, packed with benefits to boost circulation, relieve tinnitus, and enhance memory.

To make your ginkgo tea, simply collect five fresh, whole ginkgo leaves and place them at the bottom of a coffee mug. Pour boiling water over them and let it steep for about ten minutes. Once done, remove the leaves with a spoon, and enjoy your tea with a splash of honey or a squeeze of lemon for added flavour.

And if you’re fortunate enough to catch a ginkgo leaf as it falls to the ground, legend has it that you’ll be blessed with good luck for the rest of the year. This delightful tradition stems from the tree’s reputation for resilience and longevity, symbolising strength and vitality.

The leaves of the ginkgo tree are unique among seed-bearing plants, being fan-shaped with veins which radiate out into the leaf blade but never connect like most leaves. The leaves contain flavonoid glycosides and terpenoids which have a protective effect on blood vessels and the nervous system.

Hearing loss can be deeply impactful, not just for the individual experiencing it, but also for family, friends, and colleagues. It’s crucial to seek advice on the underlying cause of the loss.

And always remember, if your ear is painful, red, discharging fluid, or you suspect an infection, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor right away. Early intervention can make all the difference in protecting your hearing and overall health.