Unravelling the Silence: Exploring Tinnitus Pathophysiology and the Promise of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Tinnitus is a prevalent condition often associated with hearing loss. Tinnitus may persist throughout an individual's life and can result in a range of negative outcomes, including annoyance, anxiety, depression, insomnia, heightened auditory sensitivity, difficulties with concentration, and, in severe cases, suicidal ideation. Although not all individuals experiencing tinnitus require medical intervention, approximately 20% of them pursue clinical assistance. In addition to lidocaine, no pharmacological agents have demonstrated sustained efficacy in the management of tinnitus. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has shown promise for alleviating tinnitus. Consequently, this review aimed to synthesize the latest findings from both animal and clinical studies, while also examining the potential for comprehensive treatment approaches for tinnitus using TCM based on the understanding of its pathophysiology and neuroimaging mechanisms.