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Amrād-̣i-Udhun (Diseases of the Ear): A Review from Unani Medicine and Contemporary Medical Perspectives


Authors : Mohd Asif Hussain Usmani; Sadaf Jahan; Farhat Jahan

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/pz9ttxj3

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar2011

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Abstract : Ear diseases constitute a significant cause of morbidity affecting auditory function and quality of life across all age groups. In Unani medicine, disorders of the ear are collectively described as Amrād-̣i-Udhun with detailed explanations available in classical texts regarding their aetiology, clinical features, prevention, and management. The present review aims to systematically describe ear diseases from both Unani and modern medical perspectives, highlighting conceptual correlations and differences. Classical Unani literature recognizes the ear as Uzu-e-Mudrik-e-Faslat (a distance-perceiving sensory organ) and describes various ear disorders such as Tarash (partial hearing loss), Waqr or Butḷān-iSamā‘at (deafness), Samam (congenital atresia of the external auditory canal) Wajaʿ-ul-Udhun (otalgia), Tanin-oDāwī (tinnitus), Suql-e-Samāʿat (reduced hearing), Dūd al-Udhun (aural myiasis), Sayalān al-Udhun (otorrhoea) and inflammatory and suppurative conditions, Wasakh al-Udhun (impacted ear wax), Qadhāal-Udhun (foreign body in ear) The etiological factors proposed by Unani scholarsinclude SūʾeMizāj (temperamentalimbalance), Imtilāʾ (plethora), Riyāḥ (abnormalgases), Waram (inflammation), trauma, and parasitic infestations, with recognition of both congenital and acquired causes. From the modern medical viewpoint, ear diseases encompass external, middle, and inner ear disorders, including otitis, hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disorders, with aetiologies ranging from infections and inflammation to degenerative and environmental factors. Preventive measures emphasized in Unani medicine such as lifestyle regulation, dietary moderation, environmental protection, and local care show notable relevance to contemporary preventive otology. This review underscores the potential of integrating Unani concepts with modern otological understanding to enhance preventive strategies and holistic management of ear diseases.

Keywords : Amrāz-e-Udhun; Ear Diseases; Unani Medicine; Otology; Preventive Measures.

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Ear diseases constitute a significant cause of morbidity affecting auditory function and quality of life across all age groups. In Unani medicine, disorders of the ear are collectively described as Amrād-̣i-Udhun with detailed explanations available in classical texts regarding their aetiology, clinical features, prevention, and management. The present review aims to systematically describe ear diseases from both Unani and modern medical perspectives, highlighting conceptual correlations and differences. Classical Unani literature recognizes the ear as Uzu-e-Mudrik-e-Faslat (a distance-perceiving sensory organ) and describes various ear disorders such as Tarash (partial hearing loss), Waqr or Butḷān-iSamā‘at (deafness), Samam (congenital atresia of the external auditory canal) Wajaʿ-ul-Udhun (otalgia), Tanin-oDāwī (tinnitus), Suql-e-Samāʿat (reduced hearing), Dūd al-Udhun (aural myiasis), Sayalān al-Udhun (otorrhoea) and inflammatory and suppurative conditions, Wasakh al-Udhun (impacted ear wax), Qadhāal-Udhun (foreign body in ear) The etiological factors proposed by Unani scholarsinclude SūʾeMizāj (temperamentalimbalance), Imtilāʾ (plethora), Riyāḥ (abnormalgases), Waram (inflammation), trauma, and parasitic infestations, with recognition of both congenital and acquired causes. From the modern medical viewpoint, ear diseases encompass external, middle, and inner ear disorders, including otitis, hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance disorders, with aetiologies ranging from infections and inflammation to degenerative and environmental factors. Preventive measures emphasized in Unani medicine such as lifestyle regulation, dietary moderation, environmental protection, and local care show notable relevance to contemporary preventive otology. This review underscores the potential of integrating Unani concepts with modern otological understanding to enhance preventive strategies and holistic management of ear diseases.

Keywords : Amrāz-e-Udhun; Ear Diseases; Unani Medicine; Otology; Preventive Measures.

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