Q I have otitis media along with tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Are they related?
A Middle ear effusion or eustachian tube dysfunction can cause tinnitus. In many cases, the tinnitus improves once the otitis media is treated.
Detailed Answer
The Relationship Between Otitis Media and Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ear without any external sound stimulus. Otitis media and tinnitus are connected through the following pathways.
- Tinnitus from effusion — Effusion inside the eardrum interferes with sound vibration, causing tinnitus and a blocked sensation. When the effusion resolves, the tinnitus usually disappears as well.
- Eustachian tube dysfunction — When the eustachian tube fails to close (patulous eustachian tube) or is blocked, tinnitus in which one hears one's own voice or breathing loudly can occur.
- Sensorineural component — If chronic otitis media affects the cochlea, sensorineural tinnitus may accompany it.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
We evaluate otitis media and tinnitus together to identify the causal pathway. We resolve the effusion through clearing the Lung and transforming phlegm (cheongpye-hwadam), and add a prescription that tonifies Kidney qi (singi) to treat the tinnitus at the same time. If the ringing persists, be sure to seek a consultation along with a hearing test.
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