Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach to Deafness and Hearing Loss

Restoring Hearing Through Organ Balance and Meridian Flow

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), deafness and hearing loss are categorized under conditions like "Er Long" (deafness) and "Er Ming" (ear ringing or tinnitus). Rather than isolating the ears as an independent issue, TCM views the ears as closely related to the function of several internal organs, especially the Kidneys, Liver, Spleen, and Heart.Hearing depends on the free flow of Qi and Blood to the ears, and the strength of certain organ systems that nourish and control the sensory orifices.

🔹 Core TCM Understanding of Hearing Loss

In TCM, hearing loss is caused by either excess or deficiency patterns:

Deficiency patterns are more common in gradual or chronic hearing loss

Excess patterns tend to cause sudden or intermittent symptoms

Key organ relationships:

Kidneys open into the ears: The Kidneys store Essence (Jing) and are responsible for hearing, especially in aging-related hearing loss

Liver controls the flow of Qi: Liver Fire or Qi stagnation can rise to disturb the ears, causing sudden deafness or noise

Spleen and Heart influence the production of Qi and Blood: Weakness may result in poor nourishment of the ear orifices

Phlegm and Dampness: Can block the sensory pathways, causing muffled hearing or ear fullness

🔹 Common TCM Patterns and Treatments for Deafness

✅ Kidney Essence Deficiency (Often age-related)

Gradual hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, sore back/knees, fatigue

Treatment Principle: Tonify Kidney Essence, nourish marrow

✅ Liver Fire Rising

Sudden hearing loss, ear congestion, red face, irritability, bitter taste

Treatment Principle: Clear Liver Fire, soothe the ears

✅ Phlegm-Damp Obstruction

Muffled hearing, ear fullness, heavy body, chest tightness

Treatment Principle: Transform Phlegm, drain Dampness, unblock orifices

✅ Qi and Blood Deficiency

Weak hearing, pale face, palpitations, poor memory, tiredness

Treatment Principle: Tonify Qi and Blood, nourish the ears

🔹 Additional TCM Therapies

✅ Acupuncture

Used to regulate meridian flow and stimulate hearing-related points near the ear and on key organ channels.

✅ Moxibustion

Helps warm and tonify Kidney Yang in deficiency-type hearing loss, especially in elderly patients.

✅ Prevention and Lifestyle Advice in TCM

Protect the Kidneys: Avoid overwork, excessive sexual activity, and chronic stress

Avoid Cold and Wind: Especially around the head and ears

Diet: Support Spleen and Kidney health with warm, nourishing foods (black sesame, walnuts, goji berries, cooked grains)

Calm the Liver: Manage emotions and avoid excessive anger or frustration

💬 Summary

In TCM, deafness is not treated as an isolated condition but as a reflection of systemic imbalance, particularly involving the Kidney and Liver systems. By identifying the individual’s pattern and addressing both root and branch causes, TCM aims to restore hearing function, improve overall vitality, and prevent further decline.