Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition

Tinnitus and Hearing Impairment (Tinnitus)
In traditional Chinese medicine, tinnitus and hearing impairment are categorized under the field of otolaryngology. According to the records in "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine," tinnitus refers to the subjective sensation of ringing or buzzing sounds in the ear, resembling the sound of cicadas or tides, while hearing impairment denotes a decrease in hearing, sometimes to the extent of not being able to hear at all. Both conditions often occur together, and traditional Chinese medicine believes that their pathogenesis is often related to kidney and liver deficiency, internal disturbance of phlegm and fire, and blood stasis.

In clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine, the core pathogenesis of tinnitus and hearing impairment is often associated with kidney and liver deficiency, internal disturbance of phlegm and fire, and blood stasis. Common precipitating factors include emotional disorders, irregular diet, and excessive fatigue. During differentiation of symptoms, attention should be paid to the following key points:

1. Liver fire disturbance syndrome: Tinnitus like the sound of tides, hearing impairment that varies in severity, often accompanied by irritability, bitter taste in the mouth, and dry throat.
2. Kidney essence deficiency syndrome: Tinnitus like the sound of cicadas, gradual decrease in hearing, often accompanied by dizziness, blurred vision, and weakness in the lower back and knees.
3. Phlegm and fire stagnation syndrome: Tinnitus like the sound of cicadas, feeling of stuffiness in the ear, chest oppression, and excessive phlegm, often accompanied by chest and epigastric stuffiness, nausea, and vomiting.

Overall Treatment Direction: In clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine, the treatment of tinnitus and hearing impairment should be tailored to the specific syndrome. For liver fire disturbance syndrome, it is advisable to clear the liver and reduce fire, open up the orifices; for kidney essence deficiency syndrome, to nourish the kidneys and replenish essence, nourish yin and subdue yang; for phlegm and fire stagnation syndrome, to clear fire and resolve phlegm, harmonize the stomach and reduce vomiting. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that by adjusting the functions of the internal organs, harmonizing the Qi and blood, the symptoms of tinnitus and hearing impairment can be alleviated.

Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation

Liver Fire Disturbance Syndrome

Main Manifestations: Tinnitus like the sound of waves, varying degrees of deafness, irritability and anger

Management Approach: Clear the liver and drain fire, open the depression and unblock the orifices

Kidney Essence Deficiency Syndrome

Main Manifestations: Tinnitus like the sound of cicadas, gradual decrease in hearing, dizziness and blurred vision

Management Approach: Nourish the kidney and replenish essence, nourish Yin and subdue Yang

Phlegm-Fire Constriction Syndrome

Main Manifestations: Tinnitus like cicadas, stuffy and bloated ears, chest tightness with much phlegm

Management Approach: Clear fire and resolve phlegm, harmonize the stomach and reduce vomiting

The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.

Physician's Clinical Insights

The physician's insight: Patients with tinnitus and hearing impairment often suffer from kidney and liver Yin deficiency. Nourishing the kidneys and liver, and promoting collateral circulation and opening the orifices are the key to treatment.

— Fan Li Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Practitioner Assistant Physician

Reviewed by: Fan Li (Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Practitioner Assistant Physician) | 2026-07-07 | Version 2

Tinnitus and Deafness