Neural Deafnessaccording to TCM

What is Neural Deafness?

Neural deafness, also known as sensorineural hearing loss, is a type of hearing impairment that stems from malfunctioning of the auditory nerve or the inner ear, often leading to a significant reduction in sound quality and understanding.

Unlike other forms of hearing loss, it involves the neural pathways that channel sound from the ear to the brain. It can result from various causes, including prolonged exposure to loud noise, aging, head trauma, and certain viral infections, and is characterized by difficulty in understanding speech, especially in noisy environments.

How Does TCM View Neural Deafness?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives neural deafness through a unique lens. It suggests that hearing impairment is often a manifestation of deeper imbalances within the body's vital energies or Qi. According to TCM, the ears are closely associated with the Kidney Channel, and therefore, hearing issues often point to an underlying Kidney Deficiency.

TCM doesn't just focus on the symptoms but seeks to understand and address the root causes of the disharmony, which could be a Deficiency or Stagnation of Qi, Blood, Yin, or Yang within the body.

Causes of Neural Deafness According to TCM

In the framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine, neural deafness is often attributed to internal disharmonies affecting the deeper energies of the body. One primary pattern associated with this condition is Heart and Kidney Yin Deficiency.

This pattern reflects an imbalance where the cooling, nourishing elements of the body (Yin) are diminished, leading to symptoms like hearing issues, tinnitus, and a feeling of heat, especially at night. The Heart and Kidney are believed to be interconnected, with the Kidney's essence nurturing the Heart, which, when Deficient, can manifest as auditory problems.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Neural Deafness

To address the pattern of Heart and Kidney Yin Deficiency that may lead to neural deafness, TCM practitioners may recommend formulas that sedate and calm the Mind. A quintessential formula is Ci Zhu Wan, which prominently features Magnetite (Ci Shi) as a key ingredient.

Magnetite is valued for its Salty and Cold properties, helping to anchor and cool the Yang, thus addressing the root causes of Yin Deficiency. Through such tailored herbal prescriptions, TCM aims to replenish Yin, offering a holistic approach to mitigating the symptoms of neural deafness.

See more details below about Ci Zhu Wan, a herbal formula used to address neural deafness.

TCM Herbs for Neural Deafness

See more details below about Magnetite (Ci Shi), a herb used to address neural deafness.