A Case Report of Tinnitus Caused by Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Probable Meniere’s Disease Improved by Acupotomy and Combined Korean Medicine Treatment

Background: Tinnitus associated with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and probable Ménière's disease often remains challenging when pharmacologic therapies fail.Structural issues in the upper cervical and cranial base regions may contribute but are often overlooked.Objectives: This case report presents a clinical case in which Korean medicine treatment-centered on acupotomy-was applied for auditory symptoms associated with SSNHL and probable Ménière's disease, as well as related autonomic dysfunction.Methods: A 35-year-old woman with SSNHL and persistent tinnitus received integrative treatment centered on acupotomy, supported by acupuncture and Chuna therapy.Target areas included the suboccipital muscles, upper cervical/thoracic spine, and styloid process.Results: After 20 treatment sessions, the patient's tinnitus resolved.The THI score decreased from 54 to 2, and NRS scores for tinnitus loudness and discomfort consistently decreased.At 12 kHz, hearing thresholds improved from 30 dB to 20 dB in the right ear and from 35 dB to 20 dB in the left ear, returning to normal thresholds.Word recognition scores remained high (right: 100%, left: 96-100%).Additionally, systemic autonomic symptoms-including headache, dizziness, and cold extremities-showed marked improvement.Conclusion: Acupotomy-centered therapy may improve both auditory and autonomic symptoms in SSNHL and probable Ménière's tinnitus.Further studies are warranted.