한의복합치료를 통한 스트레스에 기인한 耳鳴 및 難聽 환자 증례 보고

A case report of a patient with stress-induced tinnitus and hearing loss treated with Korean medicine treatments

Objectives: Tinnitus is an abnormal sound perceived without external auditory stimulation. The causes are diverse and the symptoms cannot be objectively measured, a standard treatment has not yet been established. Various cases treated by Korean medicine (KM) treatments have been reported, each with its own symptoms and treatments, and we aim to report a case of stress-induced tinnitus and hearing loss treated with acupuncture and herbal medicine. Methods: A 56-year-old woman who were worsening tinnitus and hearing loss exacerbated by stress received intensive KM treatments, including acupuncture and Sosiho-tang, for one month. Then the patient’s symptoms were followed for three months. During this period, the numeric rating scale (NRS) and tinnitus handicap inventory (THI), and adverse events were assessed. Results: After one month of intensive KM treatments, the NRS (from 6 to 9 points) and THI scores (from 74 to 22 points) improved. During the three-month follow-up period, tinnitus symptoms initially worsened due to stress, but the improvement was restored and maintained with further treatment. Regarding adverse events, the patient had diarrhea after taking Sosiho-tang, but it disappeared after two weeks. Conclusion: This case report demonstrates the potential of KM multiple treatments including acupuncture and herbal medicine. Furthermore, Sosiho-tang can be used to treat stress-induced tinnitus. We hope this case will provide an opportunity to provide customized treatment for various types of tinnitus.