Syndrome differentiation and treatment
1. Syndrome of pathogenic wind attacking the lung
Main symptoms and signs: The patient has distension or slight pain inside the ear and hypoacusis. But  when the patient hears his own voice which is louder than the actual voice at ordinary times. Tinnitus looks like hearing wind. The patient often presses the tragus gently to relieve the discomfort of the ear. Examination sees clean auditory canal, slightly red tympanic membrane, mild invagination or a horizontal shadow behind the tympanic membrane which can move as the head moves. Audiometry finds conduction deafness. Possibly, accompanying symptoms exist such as headache, nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, sore throat, fever and aversion to cold. The tongue tip is red and the pulse floating and rapid.  
Therapeutic methods: Dispelling wind and dispersing the lung, expelling pathogenic factors to remove obstruction of orifices.

2. Syndrome of blood stasis due to qi stagnation
Main symptoms and signs: Fullness, obstruction and discomfort inside the ear last long without recovery, which is like being blocked by an object in severe cases. Hearing declines, and worsens gradually. Tinnitus is like hearing a cicada's singing, or with murmur. Examination finds marked invagination of the tympanic membrane, even adhesion and declined activity. There exists the pale sedimental plaque on the tympanic membrane. Audiometry proves conduction deafness. The tongue is deep purple with thin and white fur. The pulse is taut and unsmooth.
Therapeutic methods: Promoting qi flow to activate blood circulation and removing the obstruction of orifices.

Other therapeutic methods
1. Massaging tympanic membrane
The method originated from Vol. 27 of the book Jingyue Quanshu ( Zhang Jingyue's Complete Works ). Plug the middle finger into the opening of the external auditory canal and press it gently. Press it once and release the finger once. This is one cycle. Repeat the cycle on the both sides for 15 to 30 times respectively, three times a day. Or use the middle finger tip to shake the internal auditory canal for dozens of times. The method can massage the tympanic membrane and promote qi flow as well as blood circulation. It also has positive effects on the restoration of hearing.

2. Blowing air to remove obstruction of orifices
The method originated from the book Baosheng Miyao (Secrets of Health Preservation). Hold the nostrils firmly between the thumb and index finger of the right hand without releasing. Meanwhile, make the action of blowing the nose but still hold the nostrils firmly between the fingers. In this way, air flow will rush into the auditory tube of the nasopharynx. The method can relieve the symptoms of otic distension and obstruction. Do it three times a day.

3. Beating the drum
The method originated from the General Introduction to the Twelve-section Brocade of the book Diagrams of Internal Qigong. Regulate respiration first. Then, press the occipital region symmetrically and horizontally with the index fingers, middle fingers, ring fingers and little fingers of both hands. The two middle fingers touch each other. At this time, stick up the index fingers and place them on the middle fingers oftheirrespectivehandsoverlappingly. Next, flick the index fingers off the middle fingers to strike the occipital bone forcefully. At this time,the patient can hear the loud and clear sound like beating drum, hence the name beating drum. Do it for 24 times respectively with the left and right hands.Afterwards, do it for 48 times with both hands simultaneously. The method also dredges meridians and collaterals, promotes qi flow and blood circulation.