Lao Zhang, a retired engineer, once felt severely frustrated in his daily life due to persistent tinnitus and gradually worsening hearing loss. A former trumpeter in a community band, tinnitus forced him to give up his hobby. After countless examinations and treatments by Western doctors, the results from drugs to hearing aids are not satisfactory. Eventually, he turned to Chinese medicine, hoping to find a new way to solve the problem. After six months of traditional Chinese medicine conditioning and acupuncture treatment, Lao Zhang's tinnitus was significantly reduced and his hearing was restored. Now, not only can he enjoy music again, but he can also talk freely with his grandson.
This story not only demonstrates the potential of TCM to treat tinnitus and hearing problems, but also highlights how the proper understanding and application of traditional medicine can change people's quality of life.
Tinnitus, Deafness and Hearing Loss: The Science Behind the Symptoms
Tinnitus usually occurs when a ringing sound is heard in the ear and there is no source outside. This phenomenon may be temporary or long-term, seriously affecting the patient's quality of life. Deafness, on the other hand, refers to the total or partial loss of hearing and can be caused by a variety of factors. Hearing loss usually refers to hearing levels below the normal range, but not completely deaf, and it can be an early stage of deafness.
Exploration of common causes
Age-related hearing loss: As we age, the hair cells of the inner ear are gradually damaged, and these cells are critical to their response to sound.
Exposure to noise: Long-term or repeated exposure to high-decibel sound is a common cause of tinnitus and hearing loss, especially in industrial work environments or through music playback devices.
Ear diseases: otitis media, external ear canal infections, etc., can temporarily or permanently affect hearing.
Medication side effects: Certain antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs can have a negative effect on hearing, called drug-induced ototoxicity.
Genetic factors: Familial hearing impairment can also affect a person's hearing condition.
By understanding the common causes of tinnitus, deafness, and hearing loss, we are better able to seek appropriate prevention and treatment. Whereas, TCM provides a holistic healing perspective to cope with these symptoms by adjusting the body's inner balance.
TCM Perspective: The Root Causes and Treatment Strategies of Tinnitus and Deafness
Understanding and treatment principles of tinnitus and deafness in Chinese medicine
In traditional Chinese medicine, tinnitus and deafness are often seen as symptoms caused by insufficient kidney function. The kidneys are responsible for growth, development, and reproduction in TCM theory, while being directly related to the health of the ear. Loss of kidney essence and lack of kidney qi are the main causes of hearing problems. In addition to kidney problems, dysfunction of the liver can also cause tinnitus, as the liver is associated with regulating blood flow and emotional balance in TCM.
Tonifying the Kidneys and Invigorating Qi: Traditional Chinese medicine usually treats tinnitus and deafness by nourishing the kidneys and invigorating the qi. By taking traditional Chinese medicine such as Liuwei Dihuang Pills, it can help to boost kidney qi, which can improve the symptoms of tinnitus and deafness.
Promote blood circulation and eliminate blood stasis: If tinnitus is caused by poor blood circulation, Chinese medicine may recommend the use of herbs such as angelica sinensis and red peony to promote blood circulation in the ears and relieve tinnitus.
Acupuncture treatment: Acupuncture on specific acupuncture points around the ear, such as the auditory uterus and the auricular door, can effectively regulate kidney qi and liver qi and improve the function of the ear.
Through the above methods, TCM not only treats the symptoms, but also focuses on the overall balance of the body in order to achieve a fundamental healing effect.
Lifestyle and dietary advice: a key step in self-care
In addition to TCM treatment, daily lifestyle and dietary habits also play an important role in the prevention and treatment of tinnitus and deafness.
Avoid noise damage: Prolonged exposure to high decibel levels is a common cause of tinnitus and hearing damage. It is recommended to use earplugs or other protective measures in noisy environments.
Regular lifestyle habits: Get enough sleep and avoid overexertion. Kidney essence is replenished during nighttime rest, so good sleep habits are essential for maintaining kidney health.
Appropriate exercise: Moderate physical activities, such as tai chi and yoga, can help improve blood circulation in the body and help prevent and treat tinnitus.
When it comes to diet, the following suggestions can help strengthen your hearing:
Black foods: Foods such as black beans, black sesame seeds, and black fungus are believed to be able to tonify the kidneys and help improve tinnitus and deafness.
Zinc-rich foods: Foods rich in zinc, such as oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds, are especially important for ear health, and zinc is an essential mineral for hearing function.