In this tinnitus case study, a 57-year-old man came to our clinic complaining of ringing in the ears that developed after attending a loud concert six months earlier. He reported a persistent high-pitched ringing in both ears that affected his concentration and sleep. Prior to the concert, he had no history of tinnitus or hearing issues.
Initial Assessment of Tinnitus
The patient was in good health overall but exhibited several notable diagnostic findings. His tongue had a thick white coating and a red body, and his pulse was rapid and wiry. These signs suggested a complex pattern of spleen qi deficiency, internal heat, phlegm accumulation, and significant liver qi stagnation. While these imbalances were not severe enough to independently cause tinnitus, they provided the underlying conditions that allowed the tinnitus to develop following the noise trauma of the concert. Additionally, these imbalances were likely preventing the tinnitus from resolving naturally.
Tinnitus Treatment Plan
Our treatment in this tinnitus case study focused on addressing the patient’s underlying imbalances while targeting the specific symptoms of tinnitus. We selected acupuncture points to harmonize spleen qi, clear internal heat, resolve phlegm, and soothe liver qi stagnation. Points included ST36, SP9, CV12, LV3, and GB34 to address his underlying root imbalance, with TW17 and GB2 selected to relieve blockages and promote circulation around the ears.
Tinnitus Treatment Course
During the first session, we performed acupuncture using the selected points. After the initial treatment, the patient reported no change in symptoms. In response, we introduced electric acupuncture during the second session, connecting TW17 to GB2 and LV3 to SP6. Upon returning for his third session, the patient reported a 60% reduction in the intensity of the tinnitus. In addition, his tongue showed less thick coating and redness, and his pulse was less wiry and rapid.
Encouraged by this improvement, we performed three additional weekly treatments using similar protocols. By the end of the fifth session, the tinnitus had completely resolved. The patient’s tongue was now pink with only a slightly thick white coating, a vast improvement. And his pulse, while still wiry, had softened considerably. These diagnostic signs, in addition to his reduction in tinnitus, revealed how much the acupuncture had helped his body return to balance.
Case Outcome and Follow-Up
At his one-month follow-up visit, the patient’s tinnitus remained resolved. He reported no recurrence of symptoms and expressed gratitude for the treatments, which not only alleviated his tinnitus but also improved his overall sense of well-being.
Discussion
This tinnitus case study highlights the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating tinnitus resulting from noise trauma by addressing both the acute and underlying systemic imbalances. The patient’s initial spleen qi deficiency, internal heat, phlegm accumulation, and liver qi stagnation created a fertile ground for tinnitus to develop and persist. Acupuncture effectively resolved these imbalances while promoting qi circulation and clearing blockages around the ears.
The integration of electric acupuncture played a pivotal role in achieving significant improvement when initial treatments alone did not yield results. This tinnitus case study underscores the importance of tailoring acupuncture protocols to each individual’s specific pattern and adapting treatment methods as needed.
Conclusion
Acupuncture is a valuable treatment option for acute-onset tinnitus, especially when tailored to address underlying imbalances alongside symptomatic relief. By harmonizing the patient’s systemic patterns, this approach resolved the tinnitus and restored overall health and balance, preventing recurrence.
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What our Clients are Saying
I’ve had tinnitus for as long as I can remember. It came and went, sounding like the ocean. I would hear it mostly at night, which made it difficult to fall asleep. I was getting my back treated at Raleigh Acupuncture when I happened to mention the tinnitus. The doctor offered to treat that at the same time, and to my surprise, the tinnitus went away. What a bonus to my back treatment (which by the way also got better!). I would have taken care of this years ago if I knew acupuncture could cure tinnitus.
I developed ringing in my ears last year out of the blue. My doctor put me on medications, but it didn’t help. Research on the web led me to Raleigh Acupuncture. They treated me a dozen times and my ringing was gone. It has not come back. I don’t know what they did, but it worked. I’m very grateful. Thank you.
