Why Does My Right Ear Ring? How Can I Treat It?

Many people experience tinnitus, some suddenly and some persistently. There are various reasons for tinnitus, primarily related to ear diseases and vascular diseases. Other illnesses, such as autonomic nervous system disorders and diabetes, can also lead to tinnitus. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers various treatment methods for tinnitus, including tonifying the kidney and essence, and clearing heat and resolving phlegm. Let's delve into the causes and treatments of right-sided tinnitus.

1. The primary cause is ear diseases such as external ear infections, cerumen impaction, and foreign bodies in the external ear. Acute and chronic inflammation of the middle ear, tympanic membrane perforation, otosclerosis, and inner ear conditions like Ménière's disease and acoustic neuromas can all lead to tinnitus.

2. Vascular diseases can also cause tinnitus, including tumors of the jugular bulb, small vessel dilation in the ear, vascular malformations, and hemangiomas. Tinnitus originating from veins is often noisy, while tinnitus from arteries is consistent with pulse beats.

3. A wide range of diseases can trigger tinnitus. Almost any cause that leads to ear disease can result in tinnitus symptoms, and the relationship between tinnitus and hearing is complex. It could be due to a small piece of cerumen touching the tympanic membrane or a tumor located on the auditory nerve. Other causes include otosclerosis, ototoxic drug poisoning, noise exposure, and various degrees of tinnitus.

Tinnitus manifests in various forms, affecting one or both ears. It can be intermittent or persistent. Some may only notice it in quiet environments, while others may find it disruptive even in noisy places.

1. Tonifying the Kidney and Essence: TCM believes that the kidney and ear are closely related. The kidney is the root of vital essence, nourishing the brain and governing the ear. A deficiency in kidney essence can lead to malnutrition of the ear, resulting in tinnitus or even hearing loss. Other symptoms may include premature graying of hair, weakness in the waist and knees, decreased libido, pale tongue, and weak pulse. Treatment involves tonifying the kidney and essence, using formulas such as Erlong Zuoci Pill, Qiju Dihuang Pill, and Liuwei Dihuang Decoction.

2. Clearing Heat and Resolving Phlegm: TCM treats tinnitus and deafness by addressing the kidney and resolving phlegm. These patients often experience sudden tinnitus, obesity, head heaviness, coughing with chest discomfort, sticky mucus, red edges and tip of the tongue, yellow and greasy coating, and taut and slippery pulse. These symptoms indicate internal heat and phlegm. Therefore, treatment focuses on clearing heat and resolving phlegm, using formulas such as Wendan Decoction, Qingqi Huatan Pill, and Mengshi Gongtan Pill.