Is There a Link Between Tinnitus and Earwax?

Tinnitus can be caused by a variety of things, from hearing loss to chronic health conditions like diabetes or even certain medications. One common cause of tinnitus that can often be overlooked is having a buildup of earwax in your inner ear.

Tinnitus Basics

Tinnitus is often described as a ringing in the ears. However, some people experience sounds like hissing, whirring, clicking or other noise as well. For some people, tinnitus is an acute symptom, lasting only a few minutes to a few days. However, others experience chronic tinnitus that lasts weeks or even years.

Tinnitus is always a symptom of another condition, and finding the cause, whenever possible, can be an essential part of treatment.

How are Tinnitus and Earwax Buildup Connected?

In the right amount, earwax, also known as cerumen, helps protect your ears by catching harmful debris and preventing it from reaching your inner ear. It usually works itself out of your ear on its own. When it comes to cleaning earwax out of your ears, you should only need to occasionally wipe the outer ear with a damp rag when bathing.

However, some people experience a buildup of earwax that can lead to impaction. It’s often caused by people attempting to clean their ears with cotton swabs and instead pushing the wax deeper into their ear canal. When this happens, it can cause symptoms like tinnitus, hearing loss, pain and fullness in the affected ear.

Remove Earwax To Relieve Tinnitus

Earwax should be removed when it causes symptoms like hearing loss, itching, pain and tinnitus. If you’re experiencing tinnitus or other signs of earwax buildup, make an appointment with an ENT specialist to discuss your removal options.

Microsuction is often used in cases of earwax removal where you’re experiencing tinnitus from the buildup. During microsuction, your doctor removes earwax with a small suction device. It’s a very safe and effective injury and will not run the risk of injuring your ear.

Additionally, your doctor may recommend at-home earwax removal kits. These can be found at places like Magnolia Pharmacy or other local drugstores.

Whatever you do, just make sure to consult with an expert about earwax removal first before attempting to do anything on your own, and never stick objects in your ear to try and remove earwax, as this will likely only worsen the problem.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our providers to have your symptoms evaluated, call Sound Advice today.