Significant improvement in sudden hearing loss 7 weeks after onset through acupuncture treatment.
symptom
The patient presented with suspected sudden hearing loss, primarily due to hearing loss in the right ear and tinnitus. The onset was sudden, occurring seven weeks prior to the visit. Immediately after the onset, the patient sought medical attention, was hospitalized, and received steroid infusion treatment, which resulted in some degree of recovery. However, since then, recovery has stalled, leading the patient to seek acupuncture treatment. At the initial examination, the patient experienced difficulty hearing sounds from the right side, particularly affecting conversations in crowded places, and also had a persistent ringing in the ear. In addition, there was suspected eye strain, temporomandibular joint disorder, and a feeling of fullness in the right ear.
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Visitors
Female
30's
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Period
February 2024 - March 2024
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Visit Frequency per week
1
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Number of Visits
4
Treatment and progress
Upon initial examination, significant tension was observed on the right side of the neck. Treatment involved acupuncture on points on the right side of the neck, right shoulder blade, right hand, and left foot. The patient noticed an improvement in hearing immediately after the first treatment, and hearing recovery was confirmed by a hearing test after the second treatment. Hearing continued to improve with each subsequent treatment, and tinnitus also showed a tendency to decrease. After four treatments, hearing in both ears recovered to the point where it was equal. Although some high-frequency tinnitus remains, a significant reduction has been achieved.
Data
Acupressure points used
Summary
This case is notable for the fact that, despite being seven weeks after the onset of symptoms—a period when the prognosis is usually a concern—the patient's symptoms improved immediately upon starting acupuncture treatment. The treatment strategy, which focused on relieving tension in the neck, proved successful, resulting in a remarkable recovery of hearing in a relatively short period of four sessions. This case is interesting as it suggests the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment for suspected sudden hearing loss. Although tinnitus has not completely disappeared, the symptoms have been reduced, demonstrating the potential of acupuncture treatment for hearing impairment.
Acupuncture clinic for the case:Acupuncture and Moxibustion Room Kapos
