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Sudden deafness refers to the sudden onset of ear blockage and loss of hearing. This condition may be caused by the depletion of Kidney Qi, or it may result from the rebellion of Sanjiao Qi and Qi stagnation. The symptoms must include roaring tinnitus, a sensation of fullness, distension, irritability, and heat in the ears. Treatment involves Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) added with Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) and Shanzhi (Gardeniae Fructus). For those with weak Middle Qi, Jiaguan Guipi Tang (Modified Guipi Decoction) is used. In cases where Liver-Gallbladder Wind-Heat attacks upward causing deafness, the symptoms are necessarily accompanied by headache; treatment involves Xiaochaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) added with Chuanxiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Guishen (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), and Shanzhiren (Gardeniae Semen). Deafness may also result from trauma, such as injury, digging wounds, or shock from lightning and artillery, leading to continuous ulceration and pus discharge from the affected ear; in such cases, methods for unblocking the auditory orifices are appropriate. If deafness develops gradually due to Kidney Essence deficiency and essence leakage, advanced age, post-illness debility, excessive labor and fatigue, or severe fear causing Qi knotting, it is necessary to strongly tonify the root. Formulas such as Bazhen Tang (Eight Treasures Decoction), Dihuang Wan (Rehmannia Pill), and Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) should be used. However, these conditions are often difficult to cure.

Methods for Unblocking the Orifice:
1. Soak Zhen Sha (Magnetitum prepared with wine) in wine for one day. At night, remove the magnetite and hold the wine in the mouth. Insert a piece of Huo Cishi (Live Magnetite) into the ear; if the left ear is deaf, insert it into the left ear, and if the right ear is deaf, insert it into the right ear. This is an ancient method for guiding Qi.
2. Use one seed of Badou (Crotonis Fructus), removing the heart and skin, and one Banmao (Mylabris), removing wings and feet. Pound these two substances together, wrap them in cotton, and insert into the ear. Change frequently; this is very effective.
3. Take one clove of Dasuan (Garlic), hollow out a hole in the center, place one peeled Badou (Crotonis Fructus) inside, and slowly roast it in a pan until thoroughly cooked. Wrap it in new cotton and insert into the ear. It becomes effective after three uses.
4. Use forty-nine Quanxie (Scorpio). Prepare an equal number of thick slices of Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) to line the bottom of a pan. Place the scorpions on the ginger slices and lightly roast until the ginger turns yellow. Remove the scorpions (to eliminate toxicity) and use.

Siwu Tang (General Formula 23.)
Xiaochaihu Tang (General Formula 14.)
Buzhong Yiqi Tang (General Formula 30.)

A lesion arising in the crease behind the ear, extending to the upper and lower parts of the auricle, appearing red like a knife-cut wound, and intermittently discharging yellow fluid, is caused by Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder and Spleen. Apply Chuanfen San (Chuanxin Powder) topically for immediate cure.
Qingfen (Calomelas, lightly stir-fried between paper and ground) Shanjia (Pangolin Scale, roasted) Qianfen (Lead Carbonate) Huangdan (Minium, each 3 qian, processed by water flotation).
Grind all ingredients into a fine powder. Mix with Xiangyou (Sesame Oil) and apply topically.

Supplementary Formula (Retained for verification.)
Huhuanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma)
Grind this single ingredient into a fine powder. Mix with Mayou (Hemp Seed Oil) and apply topically.