McClean C, Lucke-Wold B. Evaluating foot reflexology as a proposed treatment for sensorineural hearing loss: A critical review. World J Clin Cases 2025; 13(4): 99500 [DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v13.i4.99500]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Brandon Lucke-Wold, MD, PhD, Neurosurgeon, Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, 1505 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States. brandon.lucke-wold@neurosurgery.ufl.edu
Research Domain of This Article
Neurosciences
Article-Type of This Article
Editorial
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
World J Clin Cases. Feb 6, 2025; 13(4): 99500 Published online Feb 6, 2025. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v13.i4.99500
Evaluating foot reflexology as a proposed treatment for sensorineural hearing loss: A critical review
Carina McClean, Brandon Lucke-Wold
Carina McClean, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States
Brandon Lucke-Wold, Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States
Author contributions: McClean C and Lucke Wold B contributed to this paper; McClean C contributed to the writing, editing, and review of literature; Lucke-Wold B designed the outline and overall concept of the manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: No conflict of interest to disclose.
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Brandon Lucke-Wold, MD, PhD, Neurosurgeon, Lillian S. Wells Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, 1505 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States. brandon.lucke-wold@neurosurgery.ufl.edu
Received: July 23, 2024 Revised: October 4, 2024 Accepted: October 25, 2024 Published online: February 6, 2025 Processing time: 114 Days and 2.7 Hours
Abstract
This editorial critically evaluates the application of foot reflexology as a treatment for sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in infants, as proposed in a case report published in the World of Clinical Cases. SNHL is a condition characterized by damage to the cochlea or the neural pathways that transmit auditory information to the brain. The etiology of SNHL is often complex, involving genetic mutations, prenatal factors, or perinatal insults. Reflexology, an alternative therapy involving the application of pressure to specific points on the feet, is based on the hypothesis that these points correspond to different organs and systems in the body, including the auditory system. However, the biological plausibility and clinical efficacy of foot reflexology in addressing SNHL lack empirical support. This editorial examines the pathophysiology of SNHL, assesses the clinical claims of reflexology practitioners, and emphasizes the necessity of evidence-based approaches in treating infant hearing loss. While complementary therapies may provide ancillary benefits, they should not supplant validated medical treatments in managing SNHL in infants. Further research is needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of foot reflexology and other alternative therapies in pediatric audiology.
Core Tip: Untreated sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in infants can lead to significant language delays, social-emotional difficulties, and academic challenges. While conventional treatments exist, alternative approaches like foot reflexology are gaining attention despite limited scientific evidence. Some claim that stimulating certain foot areas can influence hearing, but these claims lack support from the scientific community. While some patients may report benefits, these could be attributed to the placebo effect rather than the treatment itself. The medical community should remain cautious, emphasizing the need for rigorous research before considering reflexology as a viable option for treating SNHL in infants.
