Tinnitus (耳鳴)

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ear or head without any external source. People describe it in many ways — "beeping," "rushing," "buzzing," a cicada-like sound, or wind. When persistent, it can affect sleep, concentration, and mood, greatly reducing quality of life.

Overview of tinnitus
▲ Tinnitus — sound in the ear or head that persists without external stimulation
Main Causes and Related Factors:
  • Hearing loss from aging or noise exposure
  • Inner-ear conditions such as sudden sensorineural hearing loss or Meniere's disease
  • Stress, sleep loss, and overwork
  • TMJ or cervical (neck) problems
  • Circulatory/metabolic issues such as hypertension or diabetes
  • Ototoxic medications, excess caffeine or nicotine

Types of Tinnitus

Subjective Tinnitus (most common)
  • Heard only by the person
  • Linked to auditory nervous system changes
  • Varies: high-pitched, low-pitched, cicada-like, etc.
  • Tends to worsen with stress and fatigue
Objective Tinnitus (rare)
  • Sound actually produced within the body
  • Vascular (pulsatile, matching the heartbeat)
  • Muscular (clicking from spasm)
  • A structural cause needs to be identified

The Korean Medicine View of Tinnitus

Korean medicine does not view tinnitus as just an ear problem. It can arise from insufficient kidney essence (腎精), rising liver/gallbladder fire (肝膽火), or phlegm (痰) obstructing the "clear orifices" (清竅, sensory openings). In other words, it takes the view that whole-body balance and circulation influence how the ear functions.

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Kidney-Deficiency Type (腎虛)

Low-pitched tinnitus after aging or overwork, with weak lower back/knees and fatigue.

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Liver-Fire Rising (肝火上炎)

Sudden high-pitched tinnitus after stress or anger, often with headache and facial flushing.

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Phlegm-Fire Type (痰火)

Tinnitus with dizziness and heaviness of the head, related to digestive or metabolic strain.

Situations Where a Visit is Recommended

Tinnitus lasting over 1 week Sound in only one ear Hearing decline alongside tinnitus Dizziness or nausea alongside tinnitus Difficulty falling asleep Onset after stress or overwork
If tinnitus is accompanied by sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, vomiting, or facial paralysis, this may be an emergency such as sudden sensorineural hearing loss or a cerebrovascular event — seek immediate medical care.

Osundosun's Approach to Tinnitus

Care Based on Constitution and Pattern

The causes of tinnitus vary by individual, so we build an individual care plan by assessing constitution, triggers, and associated symptoms together.

Our Solution:
Acupuncture supports circulation around the ear and cervical region, and based on Vice-Director Oh Eun-jeong's 35 years of constitutional care, we prepare herbal formulas matched to each patient's constitution in our on-site dispensary. When needed, chuna therapy addresses imbalances of the neck and TMJ.
Can the tinnitus disappear completely?
It depends on the cause and course. Important goals include not only reducing the sound itself but also reducing sensitivity to it. Even if some sound remains, care aims for a level where daily life is no longer disrupted.
How long does care take?
Starting in the acute phase (within 3 months of onset) is preferable, while chronic tinnitus generally requires several months of consistent care. A personalized plan is provided at your visit.

Daily Care Guidance

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Get Enough Sleep

Sleep loss notably worsens tinnitus. A regular sleep routine comes first.

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Manage Noise Exposure

Avoid loud sounds (concerts, high-volume earphones). Complete silence can also make tinnitus more noticeable.

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Limit Caffeine & Nicotine

Excessive intake can worsen tinnitus.

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Manage Stress

Stress is a leading aggravator. Relaxation and meditation help.

Enduring tinnitus is not the answer.

Tinnitus can significantly affect quality of life.
With an accurate assessment of cause and constitution-based care, reclaim a daily life that isn't shaken by the sound.

Talk to Osundosun Korean Medicine Clinic about your tinnitus.