Hearing Loss in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different hearing loss patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Hearing loss is a partial or total inability to hear. In medical terms, it ranges from slight difficulties in understanding conversations to complete deafness. Hearing loss can result from genetic causes, complications at birth, certain infectious diseases, chronic ear infections, the use of particular drugs, exposure to excessive noise, and aging. It affects people by limiting their ability to communicate, potentially leading to isolation and frustration.
Traditional Chinese Medicine interprets hearing loss as a disruption of the natural balance within the body. It isn't seen merely as a sensory impairment but as a symptom indicating an underlying disharmony.
The kidneys are often implicated in hearing functions; thus, Deficiencies or Excesses impacting Kidney energy can manifest as hearing loss. TCM emphasizes identifying the specific pattern causing the disharmony to tailor a treatment that addresses the root cause and not just the symptom.
TCM Patterns for Hearing Loss
Yin Deficiency
Causes: Diminished hearing
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Diminished hearing
Along with: Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility, Melasma
Kidney and Lung Yin Deficiency
Diminished hearing
Along with: Dizziness, Tinnitus, Night dry coughing, Dry throat, Dry mouth, Emaciation, Exertional dyspnea, Lower back pain, Night sweats, Hearing loss, Oliguria
Kidney Yin Deficiency
Diminished hearing
Along with: Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety
Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing
Diminished hearing
Along with: Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Insomnia, Night sweats, Low grade fever in the afternoon, Heat sensation in palms, Afternoon heat sensation, Evening heat sensation, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Dry throat, Preference for sipping, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Nocturnal emission, Hypersexuality, Dry stools
Heat
Causes: Diminished hearing
Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing
Diminished hearing
Along with: Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Insomnia, Night sweats, Low grade fever in the afternoon, Heat sensation in palms, Afternoon heat sensation, Evening heat sensation, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Dry throat, Preference for sipping, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Nocturnal emission, Hypersexuality, Dry stools
Heat Excess in the Liver or Gallbladder
Diminished hearing
Along with: Hypochondriac pain, Headaches, Dizziness, Red and irritated eyes, Hearing loss, Ear swelling, Bitter taste in the mouth, Irritability, Painful urination, Swollen and itchy external genitalia
Qi Deficiency
Causes: Diminished hearing
Kidney Qi Deficiency
Diminished hearing
Along with: Hearing loss, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Back pain, Frequent urination, Nocturia, Premature ejaculation, Excessive menstruation
Essence Deficiency
Causes: Loss of hearing or deafness
Kidney Essence Deficiency
Loss of hearing or deafness
Along with: Deafness, Decreased mental sharpness, Retardation, Osteomalacia, Hair loss, Lower back pain, Infertility, Primary amenorrhea, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Absentmindness
Yang Deficiency
Causes: Loss of hearing or deafness
Kidney Yang Deficiency
Loss of hearing or deafness
Along with: Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills, Weak legs, Bright pale face, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Leg edema, Female infertility, Diarrhea, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Premature ejaculation, Oligospermia, Low sex drive, Pale and abudant urination, Constipation
Herbal Formulas for Hearing Loss
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address hearing loss
Zuo Gui Wan
Addresses these hearing loss patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Yin
- Strengthens the Kidneys
- Fills the Essence
- Augments the marrow
Addresses These Hearing Loss Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Diminished hearing
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Diminished hearing
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Kidney Essence Deficiency
How it manifests:
Loss of hearing or deafness
Accompanying symptoms:
Deafness, Decreased mental sharpness, Retardation, Osteomalacia, Hair loss, Lower back pain...
Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan
Addresses these hearing loss patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Kidney Yang
- Strengthens the Essence
Addresses These Hearing Loss Pattern Variations
Kidney Essence Deficiency
How it manifests:
Loss of hearing or deafness
Accompanying symptoms:
Deafness, Decreased mental sharpness, Retardation, Osteomalacia, Hair loss, Lower back pain...
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Loss of hearing or deafness
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Addresses these hearing loss patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the yin and nourishes the Kidneys
Addresses These Hearing Loss Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Diminished hearing
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Diminished hearing
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing
How it manifests:
Diminished hearing
Accompanying symptoms:
Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Insomnia, Night sweats, Low grade fever in the afternoon, Heat sensation in palms...
Tu Si Zi Wan
Addresses these hearing loss patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Kidneys
- Prevents abnormal leakage such as urinary incontinence or seminal emissions
Addresses These Hearing Loss Pattern Variations
Kidney Essence Deficiency
How it manifests:
Loss of hearing or deafness
Accompanying symptoms:
Deafness, Decreased mental sharpness, Retardation, Osteomalacia, Hair loss, Lower back pain...
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Loss of hearing or deafness
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan
Addresses these hearing loss patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Yin
- Drains Fire
Addresses These Hearing Loss Pattern Variations
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Diminished hearing
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing
How it manifests:
Diminished hearing
Accompanying symptoms:
Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Insomnia, Night sweats, Low grade fever in the afternoon, Heat sensation in palms...
Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan
Addresses these hearing loss patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Kidney Yin and Essence
- Nourishes the Liver Blood
- Beautifies hair
Addresses These Hearing Loss Pattern Variations
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Diminished hearing
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Kidney Essence Deficiency
How it manifests:
Loss of hearing or deafness
Accompanying symptoms:
Deafness, Decreased mental sharpness, Retardation, Osteomalacia, Hair loss, Lower back pain...
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan
Addresses these hearing loss patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Kidney and Liver Yin
- Improves vision
Addresses These Hearing Loss Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Diminished hearing
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
Qing E Wan
Addresses these hearing loss patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and Reinforces Kidney Yang
Addresses These Hearing Loss Pattern Variations
Kidney Qi Deficiency
How it manifests:
Diminished hearing
Accompanying symptoms:
Hearing loss, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Back pain, Frequent urination, Nocturia...
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
Addresses these hearing loss patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Fire from the Liver and Gallbladder
- Clears and drains Damp-Heat from the Lower Burner
Addresses These Hearing Loss Pattern Variations
Heat Excess in the Liver or Gallbladder
How it manifests:
Diminished hearing
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac pain, Headaches, Dizziness, Red and irritated eyes, Hearing loss, Ear swelling...
Huan Shao Dan
Addresses these hearing loss patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Spleen, Heart and Kidneys
- Nourishes Yin and Blood
- Augments Qi
- Tonifies Yang
- Promotes Longevity
Addresses These Hearing Loss Pattern Variations
Kidney Essence Deficiency
How it manifests:
Loss of hearing or deafness
Accompanying symptoms:
Deafness, Decreased mental sharpness, Retardation, Osteomalacia, Hair loss, Lower back pain...
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan
Addresses these hearing loss patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Yang
- Warms the Kidneys and lower extremities
Addresses These Hearing Loss Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Loss of hearing or deafness
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Qing Gu San
Addresses these hearing loss patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat from Deficiency
- Alleviates steaming bone disorder
Addresses These Hearing Loss Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Diminished hearing
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
You Gui Wan
Addresses these hearing loss patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms and tonifies Kidney Yang
- Replenishes the Essence
- Tonifies the Blood
Addresses These Hearing Loss Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Loss of hearing or deafness
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Yi Guan Jian
Addresses these hearing loss patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Yin
- Spreads the Liver Qi
Addresses These Hearing Loss Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Diminished hearing
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
Er Xian Tang
Addresses these hearing loss patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Yin and tonifies Yang of the Kidneys
- Clears Empty Heat
- Regulates the Directing and Penetrating Vessels
Addresses These Hearing Loss Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Loss of hearing or deafness
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang
Addresses these hearing loss patterns:
Main Actions
- Pacifies the Liver
- Extinguishes Wind
- Nourishes the Yin
- Anchors the Yang
Addresses These Hearing Loss Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Diminished hearing
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan
Addresses these hearing loss patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies and warms Kidney Yang
Addresses These Hearing Loss Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Loss of hearing or deafness
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Ba Xian Chang Shou Wan
Addresses these hearing loss patterns:
Main Actions
- Treats Yin Deficiency of the Lungs and Kidneys
Addresses These Hearing Loss Pattern Variations
Kidney and Lung Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Diminished hearing
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Night dry coughing, Dry throat, Dry mouth, Emaciation...
Ji Chuan Jian
Addresses these hearing loss patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Kidneys
- Nourishes the Blood
- Strengthens the Essence
- Moistens the Intestines
- Unblocks bowels
Addresses These Hearing Loss Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Loss of hearing or deafness
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang
Addresses these hearing loss patterns:
Main Actions
- Reinforces and strengthens Heart Qi
- Calms the Mind
- Nourishes and moistens the Heart Blood
- Tonifies the Kidney Yin
Addresses These Hearing Loss Pattern Variations
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Diminished hearing
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Yu Lin Zhu
Addresses these hearing loss patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Kidney Yang
- Consolidates the Penetrating and Directing Vessel (Chong Mai, Ren Mai)
- Facilitating pregnancy
- Promotes Blood circulation and regulates menstruation
Addresses These Hearing Loss Pattern Variations
Kidney Yang Deficiency
How it manifests:
Loss of hearing or deafness
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower back pain, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Weak and cold knees, Lower back coldness, Chills...
Ming Mu Di Huang Wan
Addresses these hearing loss patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Liver
- Enriches the Kidneys
- Improves the vision
Addresses These Hearing Loss Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Diminished hearing
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...