The Polyvagal Theory and our Ears

Throughout my professional journey, I've come across a significant number of children and adults grappling with chronic ear infections or the need for grommets.

This observation really peaked my curiosity, leading me to question the underlying mechanisms or links. The Polyvagal Theory proposes that the middle ear muscles are instrumental in modulating our body's stress responses and cultivating a sense of safety. This theory underscores the pivotal role of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) in managing stress and facilitating connections.

If we operated on this assumption, isn’t it plausible to hypothesise that individuals subjected to high-stress levels or persistent feelings of insecurity may exhibit increased sensitivity in their middle ear muscles? This enhanced sensitivity (in theory) could, in turn, contribute to a higher propensity for recurrent ear infections or an increased necessity for grommets during childhood.

Regards, Brittany x