The Donguibogam noted the connection between the ears and kidneys centuries ago. While modern medicine does not describe a direct anatomical connection between these two organs, it explains the causes of tinnitus and hearing loss in ways that parallel the broad functions of the kidneys described in classical medicine. In particular, age-related hearing loss and chronic tinnitus are not merely problems of the cochlea or auditory nerve, but are deeply linked to the body's ability to maintain homeostasis.
First, the concept of the kidneys in the Donguibogam encompasses functions similar to the endocrine system, autonomic nervous system, and cardiovascular system in modern medicine. With aging, kidney function declines, and related hormonal imbalances, such as decreases in adrenal and sex hormones, can emerge. These hormonal shifts reduce systemic circulation and impair blood flow to the sensitive cochlea in the inner ear, leading to damage to auditory hair cells. Hair cells within the cochlea convert sound vibrations into electrical signals. When blood supply is inadequate, these cells fail to function properly or become damaged, contributing directly to hearing loss and tinnitus.
In addition, accumulated stress and fatigue disrupt autonomic nervous system balance and cause sympathetic nerve hyperactivation, which constricts blood vessels and raises blood pressure, adversely affecting inner ear blood flow. The traditional description of deficient kidney qi corresponds closely to the systemic hypofunction caused by chronic stress and sleep deprivation in modern terms. A significant number of tinnitus patients experience severe stress and anxiety, which affect auditory processing pathways in the brain and worsen tinnitus symptoms.
Furthermore, the kidneys filter waste and maintain electrolyte balance. When kidney function declines, toxin accumulation and electrolyte imbalance can occur, affecting the nervous system and auditory nerve function. When chronic conditions such as impaired blood pressure regulation or diabetes are present, microvascular injury can further impair circulation in the inner ear, increasing the risk of tinnitus and hearing loss. A sound in the ear is not just an isolated ear problem, but a valuable signal to examine cardiovascular health, endocrine health, and neurological stability.
