What causes recurrent tinnitus and dizziness?

My downstairs neighbor has poor physical health and frequently experiences dizziness, accompanied by tinnitus, significantly impacting daily life. They would like to consult about the underlying causes of recurrent tinnitus and dizziness—so what exactly causes persistent tinnitus and dizziness?

What Causes Persistent Tinnitus and Dizziness?

Recurrent dizziness and tinnitus are commonly observed in patients with kidney essence deficiency, excessive liver fire, or qi and blood deficiency. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the kidneys “open into the ears,” and insufficient kidney essence may lead to tinnitus and vertigo. Infections or inflammation affecting the ears or liver—or excessive liver fire ascending to attack the ear orifices—can also cause tinnitus. Additionally, patients with deficiency of both qi and blood may develop dizziness and tinnitus due to inadequate nourishment of the ears and brain by qi and blood.

Persistent dizziness and tinnitus warrant evaluation for potential brainstem pathology. For instance, cerebrovascular disease involving the brainstem can manifest as dizziness and tinnitus. We recommend brain MRI to rule out such structural abnormalities. Moreover, if a brainstem mass lesion or cerebrovascular disorder is present, additional clinical features—such as limb weakness or paralysis, headache, nausea, and vomiting—are typically observed alongside dizziness and tinnitus.

It is also essential to consider otolaryngological conditions—for example, Ménière’s disease—which can cause dizziness and tinnitus, often accompanied by hearing loss. Pharmacotherapy aimed at improving inner-ear circulation, along with supportive rehabilitation training, may help alleviate symptoms. We hope this information proves helpful!