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Deafness and tinnitus may be caused by phlegm, fire, or qi deficiency. In cases of deafness where heat is predominant in the Shaoyang (Lesser Yang) and Jueyin (Terminal Yin) channels, all are attributed to fire. The treatment should focus on resolving phlegm and dispersing wind-heat. Formulas such as Fangfeng Tongsheng San (Windproof Unblocking Powder) or Guntan Wan (Rolling Phlegm Pill) are suitable.

For deafness occurring after a severe illness, yin-nourishing and fire-descending methods must be employed. If deafness is caused by the stirring of deficient fire (Yin Huo), the same method applies, such as using Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) with added Huangbai (Phellodendri Cortex). Another prescription involves dripping bile from a male rat into the ear. Treating deafness invariably requires formulas containing Longdan (Gentianae Radix) and Lvhui (Aloe), combined with Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) to nourish yin. In cases caused by damp-heat and phlegm, Binglang (Arecae Semen) and Shenxiong Wan (Divine Xion Pill) may be used. A humming sensation in the ears also indicates a deficiency of yin. For deafness resulting from qi stagnation, Fangfeng Tongsheng San (Windproof Unblocking Powder) is used; the Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) should be simmered in wine, then stir-fried with wine three times before adding other herbs, with all ingredients generally processed with wine. Tinnitus in individuals who consume excessive alcohol can be treated with Muxiang Binglang Wan (Aucklandia and Areca Seed Pill). For tinnitus caused by overindulgence in alcohol, a large dose of Fangfeng Tongsheng San (Windproof Unblocking Powder) is prescribed with additional Zhike (Aurantii Fructus), Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Tiannanxing (Arisaematis Rhizoma), Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix), Qingpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride), and Jingjie (Schizonepetae Spica). If ineffective, switch to Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction). Tinnitus generally requires Danggui Longhui Wan (Angelica and Aloe Pill), taken after meals. For individuals with excess constitution, Binglang (Arecae Semen) and Shenxiong Wan (Divine Xion Pill) are used for purgation.

For damp swelling and pain in the ear, Liangge San (Cool the Chest Powder) is modified with Jiuchao Dahuang (Wine-fried Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, 0.5 liang), Jiuqin Huangqin (Wine-soaked Scutellariae Radix), Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), Jingjie (Schizonepetae Spica), and Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix). The powder is insufflated into the ear, typically with more Borneolum Syntheticum (Bingpian) and less Moschus (Shexiang). If dampness is heavy, Bai Kufan (White Alum) is added. For persistent otorrhea, Qingfen (Calomel), Huangbai (Phellodendri Cortex) powder, and Haipiao Xiao (Cuttlebone Ash) are insufflated. For ear ulceration, Beimu (Fritillariae Bulbus) powder is used to keep the area dry and absorb exudate. For pus discharge from the ear, Taohua San (Peach Blossom Powder) is applied. This formula consists of Ku Baifan (Calcined White Alum) and Yanzhi (Cinnabar), each 1 qian, and Shexiang (Moschus), 1 zi. The mixture is powdered, applied with a cotton swab, and gently twisted to dry the discharge. For sudden hot pain in the ear, Ku Baifan (Calcined White Alum) is insufflated. Alternatively, ash from burning Qingruo (Indigofera Leaf Sheath) insufflated into the ear yields excellent results.

Alcoholic rhinitis (Jiu Bi) is caused by blood heat entering the Lung. It is treated with Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) plus Chenpi (Tangerine Peel), Jiuhonghua (Wine-processed Carthami Flos), and Jiuchao Huangqin (Wine-fried Scutellariae Radix). The decoction is mixed with a few drops of good wine, and fried Wulingzhi (Trogopterori Faeces) powder is taken orally, which is effective. Another method involves soaking Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma) in Tongyou (Tung Oil), heating the oil prepared with Tiandiao Teng (Trichosanthes Vine), and applying it as a warm compress. When asked if alcoholic rhinitis is necessarily caused by drinking hot wine, the answer is no; non-drinkers can also suffer from this condition. The nose is the orifice of the Lung, and the Foot-Yangming Stomach channel runs alongside the nose up to the inner canthus. Located in the center of the face, which corresponds to Earth, the nose serves as the portal for breath and qi. However, the essence of qi and blood ascends to the face and enters its orifices. Therefore, damp-heat in the Stomach and blood transformed in the Middle Jiao ascend to the Lung, and through respiration, steam and熏蒸 (vaporize) the nasal tip, condensing on the skin to cause redness. Severe cases result in facial erythema, not limited to the nose. I have successfully used Lingxiaohua (Campsis Grandiflora Flower) powder mixed with Miduoseng (Lead Monoxide) and saliva for topical application. Another method uses Cang'er Ye (Xanthii Folium), steamed in wine and powdered for oral administration, which effectively clears heat and toxicity. To treat Biyuan (Nasal Sinusitis), use Tiannanxing (Arisaematis Rhizoma), Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma), Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix), Shenqu (Massa Medicata Fermentata), Jiuqin (Wine-processed Scutellariae Radix), Xinyi (Magnoliae Flos), and Jingjie (Schizonepetae Spica). For nasal polyps, caused by food retention in the Stomach and flow of hot phlegm, the root treatment involves resolving food retention. Externally, Hudie Fan (Butterfly Alum), Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma), and Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix) are insufflated into the nose, using small amounts each time. If the face and nose turn dark upon exposure to cold, heat-clearing, stasis-resolving, and new blood-generating methods are required. Once blood circulation improves, the complexion will change. Use Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) processed with wine, plus Jiupian Huangqin (Wine-processed Scutellariae Radix), Chenpi (Tangerine Peel), Sheng Gancao (Raw Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Jiuhonghua (Wine-processed Carthami Flos), and Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) decocted together, with Wulingzhi (Trogopterori Faeces) powder taken with the drink. For those with weak qi and obesity, adding Jiuhuangbo (Wine-processed Phellodendri Cortex) is also effective.