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Tinnitus

Basics

Tinnitus is a condition characterized by persistent or intermittent sounds in the ears, such as ringing, buzzing, or clicking, which can disrupt daily activities and overall quality of life. Various factors can contribute to the development of tinnitus, including hearing loss, prolonged exposure to loud noises, certain medications, allergies, and the presence of tumors, among others.

Diagnostic Patterns

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the treatment of tinnitus focuses on identifying the specific TCM diagnosis or pattern unique to each individual, rather than addressing the general condition. The following patterns may underlie the development of tinnitus: Kidney Yin Deficiency, Liver Fire, Phlegm Stagnation, and Spleen Qi Deficiency. Commonly used acupuncture points include: SI19 (Tinggong), KI3 (Taixi), GB41 (Zulinqi), and SJ5 (Waiguan).

Electroacupuncture (EA) has shown positive evidence for effectiveness in treating tinnitus, with quality evidence reported in a systematic review of five randomized controlled trials (He 2016).