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Deafness accompanied by shortness of breath and dryness of the throat indicates deficiency of Lung Qi (Lung Qi Deficiency). Li Dongyuan stated: The *Treatise on Zang-Qi Corresponding to Time* records that when Lung Qi is deficient, there is shortness of breath with inability to complete inhalation, along with deafness and dryness of the throat. The commentary claims that the collaterals of the Lung converge in the ear, thus causing deafness; this view is incorrect. In fact, Qi deficiency inevitably involves cold; when pathogenic factors are excessive, both Qi and Blood become stagnant and fail to circulate. The ear is the gathering place of Zong Qi (Pectoral Qi); when Lung Qi fails to circulate, deafness occurs. It is appropriate to administer Shengmai San (Generate the Pulse Powder) chewed with wax pills. Deafness accompanied by frequent fear indicates deficiency of Liver Blood (Liver Blood Deficiency). The classics state: When Liver Blood is deficient, vision becomes blurred, hearing is impaired, and one is prone to fear. The treatment method involves decocting Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) with equal parts of Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia Root), Qianghuo (Notopterygium Rhizome), Chaihu (Bupleurum Root), Shichangpu (Acorus Rhizome), and Fushen (Poria with Hostwood) in water. After taking more than twenty doses, follow up with Jiangxie San (Ginger and Scorpion Powder) to open the orifices. Materia Medica texts state that for Liver deficiency, Ginger tonifies it, which is correct. For deafness caused by overwork (Labor-induced Deafness), Yiqi Congming Tang (Qi-Boosting and Brightening Decoction) is appropriate. For cloudiness of the head and eyes, Qingshen San (Spirit-Clearing Powder) is used. For obstruction of Qi mechanism, Tongqi San (Unblocking Qi Powder) or the secret formula Jiangqi Tang (Descending Qi Decoction) added with Shichangpu (Acorus Rhizome) is indicated. External treatments include: Tongshen San (Spirit-Unblocking Powder), Tong'er Fa (Ear-Unblocking Method), Zhuifeng San (Wind-Chasing Powder), Bimawan (Castor Bean Pill), Xionghuang San (Realgar Powder), Tou'er Tong (Ear-Penetrating Tube), Jiyu Dan Gao (Crucian Carp Gall Bladder Ointment), Xiexiao Gao (Scorpion Tip Ointment), Shudan Wan (Rat Gall Bladder Pill), Ji'uan Fang (Chicken Egg Formula), Moxibustion Formula, Lvzi Fang (Donkey Fat Formula), Cu Fu Fang (Vinegar-Processed Aconite Formula), Gui Niao Fang (Turtle Urine Formula), Gan Dilong Fang (Dried Earthworm Formula), and Yunaogan (Fish Brain Ointment).

[Chronic Deafness]: Bimazi Wan (Castor Seed Pill), Tianxiong Jizi Fang (Aconite and Chicken Egg Formula), Tongqi San (Unblocking Qi Powder), Shuiyin Fang (Mercury Formula), Dasuan Fang (Garlic Formula), Shengjin Touguan San (Golden-Success Orifice-Penetrating Powder).

[Sudden Deafness]: Puhuang Gao (Polygonatum Pollen Ointment), Longnao Gao (Borneol Ointment); or use Sichuan Pepper, Croton Seed, Acorus Rhizome, and Pine Resin melted with wax into a tube shape, inserted into the ear, changed once daily. Alternatively, use 1 qian of Realgar and one kernel of Croton Seed, ground finely, mixed with green onion juice to form a pellet, wrapped in paper, and inserted into the ear. Or use leaves and flowers of Campsis grandiflora, pounded to extract natural juice, and dripped into the ear. Luo Qianfu stated: Sudden deafness arises from Kidney Qi deficiency allowing Wind Pathogens to invade, binding to the collaterals and ascending via blood vessels into the ear. The Righteous Qi clashes with the Pathogenic Qi, resulting in sudden deafness. Lou Quanshan stated: All cases of sudden deafness are due to Jue Ni (Rebellious Qi). The classics state: Sudden Jue syndrome with deafness, characterized by unilateral blockage and obstruction, results from violent internal Qi agitation. It also states: Jue of the Shaoyang channel manifests as sudden deafness. One should seek treatment methods under the previous "Jue Deafness" section. According to the theory of Six Qi transformations, there are four types of deafness: First, Dampness Pathogen injuring the Kidney and Sanjiao (Triple Burner) causing deafness. The classics state: When Taiyin is in the泉 (subterranean position), excessive Dampness causes people to suffer from deafness with muffled hearing; treatment uses bitter-hot herbs, which corresponds to this. Second, Dryness Pathogen injuring the Liver causing deafness. The classics state: When Metal Qi is excessive in the year, Dryness prevails, injuring Wood of the Liver, causing people to suffer from deafness and inability to hear, which corresponds to this. Third, Fire Pathogen injuring the Lung causing deafness. The classics state: When Fire Qi is excessive in the year, intense heat prevails, injuring Metal of the Lung, causing people to suffer from deafness, which corresponds to this. Fourth, Wind and Fire flaming upward disturbing the head causing deafness. The classics state: When Shaoyang governs the Heavenly Qi, Wind and Heat are distributed, clouds and phenomena boil; people suffer from deafness and dizziness. During the third Qi phase, intense heat arrives, causing people to suffer from interior heat syndrome, deafness, and dizziness; treatment uses cold-natured agents, which corresponds to this.