Symptom family: Hearing Disorders

Sub-symptom(s): Sudden Deafness Neural Deafness

What is Deafness?

Deafness is the partial or complete inability to hear. It can range from mild hearing impairment to total loss of hearing. This condition may occur suddenly or develop gradually over time. Deafness significantly impacts communication and can be a source of social isolation.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets deafness not just as a symptom limited to the ears but as an indication of deeper imbalances in the body's energetic pathways.

How does TCM view Deafness?

TCM views deafness through a holistic lens, often attributing it to the disruption of Qi (vital energy) and Blood flow to the ears. This perspective considers the body as a network of interconnected systems where the ears are influenced by the health of the Kidneys, Liver, and Speen, among other organs.

TCM emphasizes identifying the underlying pattern causing deafness, as this will dictate the therapeutic approach. It's understood that treating the root cause is as important as addressing the symptom itself.

Root Causes of Deafness in TCM

In TCM, deafness is often associated with patterns like Full-Heat in the Small Intestine or Liver Fire Blazing, where excessive heat disrupts the function of the ears. Such patterns are characterized by additional symptoms like restlessness, insomnia, or tinnitus.

Another common pattern is Interior Wind, which may manifest as convulsions or dizziness along with deafness. By discerning these patterns, TCM practitioners can create a tailored treatment plan aimed at restoring balance and improving hearing.

Explore below more details about what might cause Deafness according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Heat
  • Wind
  • Qi Deficiency
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Deafness

Common Symptoms: Irritability Anger Tinnitus Temporal Headache Dizziness Flushed Face Eye Hyperemia Thirst

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Full-Heat in the Small Intestine Deafness, Restlessness, Insomnia, Tongue ulcers, Mouth ulcers, Throat pain, Cardiac burning sensation, Abdominal pain, Craving for cold beverages, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Urinary burning... see more Dao Chi San
Liver Fire Blazing Deafness, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Temporal headache, Dizziness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Thirst, Bitter taste in the mouth, Vivid dreaming, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Nosebleeds, Cough of blood, Vomiting blood... see more Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Dang Gui Long Hui Wan | Xie Qing Wan
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire Deafness, Tremors, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Temporal headache, Dizziness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Thirst, Bitter taste in the mouth, Vivid dreaming, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Nosebleeds, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood... see more Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Zi Xue Dan | Feng Yin Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Deafness

For conditions like Full-Heat in the Small Intestine, TCM recommends cooling formulas such as Dao Chi San to clear heat and promote fluid balance.

In cases of Liver Fire Blazing, a formula like Long Dan Xie Gan Tang might be used to purge excessive fire and alleviate symptoms like irritability and tinnitus. Each herbal prescription is carefully chosen based on the individual’s specific TCM pattern, showcasing the personalized nature of this medical system.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address deafness, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Heat
  • Wind
  • Qi Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Deafness Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
Dao Chi San Full-Heat in the Small Intestine
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Liver Fire Blazing
Dang Gui Long Hui Wan Liver Fire Blazing
Xie Qing Wan Liver Fire Blazing
Zi Xue Dan Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
Feng Yin Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire

Acupoints for Deafness

TCM also employs acupuncture to address deafness. Points like Ermen TB-21, located near the ear, are stimulated to benefit ear function and expel Wind, which is often thought to invade the Channels affecting hearing.

Other points like Fengchi GB-20, located at the base of the skull, help subdue Liver Yang and can expel pathogenic wind, benefiting both the eyes and ears. The selection of acupoints, like herbal formulas, is based on the individual's pattern differentiation, ensuring a targeted approach to treatment.

Explore below some acupoints used to address deafness, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Triple Burner Channel
  • Gall Bladder Channel
  • Small Intestine Channel
Guanchong TB-1

Guanchong TB-1

On the lateral side of the ring finger, about 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of the nail.

Yemen TB-2

Yemen TB-2

Proximal to the margin of the web between the ring and small fingers.

Zhongzhu TB-3

Zhongzhu TB-3

When the hand is placed with the palm facing downward, Zhongzhu TB-3 is on the hand dorsum between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones, in the depression proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joints, at the junction between the heads and shaft of the two metacarpal bones.

Yangchi TB-4

Yangchi TB-4

At the junction of the ulna carpal bones of the wrist dorsum, in the depression lateral to the tendon of extensor digitorum and extensor digiti minimi muscle.

Waiguan TB-5

Waiguan TB-5

2 cun above Yangchi TB-4 at the dorsal wrist joint space, between the radius and ulna.

Huizong ST-7

Huizong ST-7

3 cun proximal to the dorsal wrist joint space and 0.5 cun ulnar to the forearm center.

Sidu TB-9

Sidu TB-9

5 cun distal to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, between the radius and ulna.

Tianyou TB-16

Tianyou TB-16

Posterior and inferior to the mastoid process, on the posterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle, level with Tianrong SI-17 and Tianzhu BL-10.

Yifeng TB-17

Yifeng TB-17

Posterior to the lobule of the ear, in the depression between the mandible and mastoid process.

Qimai TB-18

Qimai TB-18

In the center of the mastoid process, at the junction of the middle and lower third of the curve formed by Yifeng TB-17 and Jiaosun TB-20 posterior to the helix.

Luxi TB-19

Luxi TB-19

Posterior to the ear, at the junction of the upper and middle third of the curve formed by Yifeng ST-17 and Jiaosun ST-20 behind the helix.

Jiaosun TB-20

Jiaosun TB-20

Directly above the ear apex, within the hairline of the temple.

Ermen TB-21

Ermen TB-21

In the depression anterior to the supratragic notch and slightly superior to the condyloid process of the mandible. The point should be located and needled with mouth open. Tinggong SI-19 and Tinghui GB-2 are located below Ermen TB-21.

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