Modern medicine explains the wisdom of the Donguibogam in scientific terms. Low-frequency tinnitus, marked by humming or aural fullness, is often considered closely related to autonomic nervous system imbalance. Like a car's accelerator and brake, our body's autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary vital functions such as heartbeat, blood pressure, digestion, and sleep. However, when this balance is disrupted by stress, overwork, or sleep deprivation, the sympathetic nerve becomes excessively active, much like an engine that continuously overheats.
When the sympathetic nerve becomes overactive in this way, the minute blood vessels inside the ear constrict. When blood circulation is impaired, the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the hair cells inside the cochlea becomes deficient, and the removal of metabolic waste becomes difficult. Consequently, as the pressure of the endolymph rises, aural fullness can develop, accompanied by humming sounds. This is similar to a water pipe creaking under elevated pressure. In particular, low-frequency tinnitus can appear as an early symptom of Meniere's disease or as a precursor to sudden sensorineural hearing loss, so it should not be taken lightly.
Furthermore, modern medicine often diagnoses these ear symptoms as stress-induced neurogenic tinnitus. The auditory cortex becomes hypersensitive due to stress, causing it to perceive sounds that do not actually exist or to react excessively to faint noises. It is much like a brain that has become overly anxious and continuously sounds a nonexistent alarm. Because various systemic conditions such as thyroid gland dysfunction, anemia, and hypertension can also trigger tinnitus, it is important to pay close attention to sounds in your ears and seek professional care when needed. When harmony between body and mind is disrupted, the ear functions as a sensitive sensor that sends us early signals.
