Tinnitus Case Study #2

Mike, a 57-year-old man, had been dealing with several persistent symptoms ever since contracting COVID-19 six months earlier. Among these, tinnitus was the most bothersome, manifesting as a constant ringing in his ears that disrupted his daily life. Along with tinnitus, Mike also experienced lingering sinus congestion around his nose and ears, frequent headaches, and a general sense of fatigue. His doctor diagnosed him with long-COVID, a condition marked by ongoing symptoms long after the initial infection had cleared. However, the doctor’s only recommendation was to use over-the-counter nasal decongestants, which provided little relief. Unsatisfied with this approach, Mike decided to explore alternative treatments and came across our clinic. This tinnitus acupuncture case report highlights the remarkable results Mike achieved through acupuncture, an effective and natural treatment for his condition.

Acupuncture Treats Long-Covid-Induced Tinnitus

When Mike first visited our clinic, he was eager to find a solution that addressed not only his tinnitus but also the other long-COVID symptoms that were affecting his quality of life. During our initial consultation, we explained that acupuncture is a powerful tool in treating conditions like long-COVID because it seeks to address the root cause of the symptoms rather than just the symptoms themselves. In Mike’s case, we identified that the COVID-19 virus had weakened his digestive system, leading to an overproduction of phlegm. This excess phlegm was accumulating in his head, causing chronic congestion in his nose and ears, which, in turn, was triggering the tinnitus. This tinnitus acupuncture case report illustrates how we treated both the root (weak digestion) and the branch (congestion in the head) to bring about lasting relief.

Tinnitus, the perception of sound without an external source, can present as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or clicking sounds in the ears. It varies in intensity and can be either constant or intermittent. For many people, tinnitus is a source of significant distress, leading to difficulties in concentration, sleep disturbances, and emotional strain. Mike’s tinnitus was particularly severe, and the constant ringing was affecting his ability to focus and enjoy life. Understanding the underlying cause of Mike’s tinnitus was key to developing an effective treatment plan, and acupuncture provided the perfect holistic approach.

Treating the Root Cause

We began Mike’s treatment by addressing the root cause of his symptoms: the weakened digestive system and the resulting phlegm accumulation. We knew this was the case because his tongue had a thick white coat with scalloped edges. In addition, his pulse was weak. These signs, in conjunction with his other symptoms, pointed to a Chinese medicine diagnosis of Spleen Qi Deficiency with Phlegm Accumulation. The key acupuncture points used to correct this imbalance included ST36 (Zusanli), SP9 (Yinlingquan), and ST40 (Fenglong).

• ST36 (Zusanli): Located on the lower leg, this acupoint is known for its ability to tonify Qi and improve overall digestive function. By strengthening the digestive system, we helped reduce the production of phlegm at its source.
• SP9 (Yinlingquan): Found on the inner leg, SP9 is effective in resolving dampness, which in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) correlates with the presence of excess phlegm. By clearing dampness, we helped to prevent further phlegm accumulation.
• ST40 (Fenglong): Also located on the lower leg, ST40 is the primary point for transforming phlegm in TCM. It played a crucial role in clearing the phlegm that had already accumulated in Mike’s head.

Addressing the Symptoms

In parallel with treating the root cause, we also focused on relieving the congestion in Mike’s nose and ears to address the tinnitus directly. For this, we used the following local acupuncture points:

• TW17 (Yifeng): Located behind the earlobe, TW17 is highly effective for reducing ear congestion and improving auditory function. It also helps alleviate inflammation and opens the channels around the ears.
• GB2 (Tinghui): Found near the ear, GB2 is another critical point for treating ear disorders, including tinnitus. It helps to promote the free flow of Qi and blood in the ear region, reducing the intensity of the ringing sensation.
• LI20 (Yingxiang): Situated beside the nostrils, LI20 is commonly used to clear nasal congestion and improve breathing. By relieving sinus pressure, this point also helped reduce the frequency and severity of Mike’s headaches.

This tinnitus acupuncture case report demonstrates the effectiveness of our treatment approach. Within three treatments, Mike experienced a 40% reduction in congestion in both his nose and ears, and his tinnitus was equally lessened. Encouraged by these early results, Mike continued with his acupuncture sessions, attending a total of eight treatments once a week.

Acupuncture Resolves Tinnitus

By the end of his treatment course, Mike’s tinnitus had completely resolved, and he no longer experienced any congestion in his nose or ears. The headaches that had plagued him for months also disappeared, and he reported feeling more energized and less fatigued. This tinnitus acupuncture case report highlights how acupuncture provided Mike with lasting relief, allowing him to regain control over his health and well-being.

In conclusion, acupuncture proved to be a highly effective treatment for Mike’s long-COVID symptoms, particularly his tinnitus. By addressing both the root cause of his condition and the resulting symptoms, acupuncture delivered long-lasting results without any negative side effects. This case underscores the value of acupuncture as a holistic treatment option for patients struggling with long-COVID and other chronic conditions, offering hope and healing where conventional medicine may fall short.

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