If you are experiencing ringing, buzzing, hissing or whooshing noises in your ears, you may have tinnitus. Whether the noise is constant or intermittent, it can be very frustrating and it’s beneficial to book an appointment with an audiologist to get to identify any potential causes of this life-impacting condition.
Lots of people who come to our tinnitus clinics for a consultation with an expert will ask whether there is a connection between ear wax build-up and tinnitus. Although there are numerous causes of tinnitus, ear wax can sometimes be a contributing factor to this condition. Below we have explored the connection between ear wax and tinnitus in more detail.
Understanding Tinnitus
Tinnitus can affect one or both of the ears and sometimes the noises can feel like they’re in your head rather than your ears. The ringing, buzzing, hissing or whooshing noises can vary in intensity and many find that they experience these noises most when they’re in quiet environments. Some of the most common causes of tinnitus include; ear wax, ear infections, perforated eardrum, noise exposure and eustachian tube dysfunction. Sometimes age and certain medications can contribute to tinnitus as well.
The Role of Ear Wax
Ear wax is a natural product of the ears. It serves as a natural barrier that protects the delicate inner ear from dust, dirt, water and other foreign objects or irritants. Sometimes, ear wax can build up in the ears and excessive ear wax can lead to several complications, including temporary hearing loss, discomfort, dizziness, itchiness and even tinnitus.
Is There a Connection Between Ear Wax and Tinnitus?
A build-up of ear wax often causes a sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear. In some cases, these symptoms can exacerbate or trigger tinnitus. Here’s how;
- Pressure on the Ear Drum – Impacted ear wax can put pressure on the eardrum and the nerve cells in the inner ear. This may, in turn, affect the perception of sound and possibly contribute to tinnitus.
- Reduced External Noise – When ear wax blocks the ear canal, it can impact sound travelling through the ear and cause a form of hearing loss. This may cause the brain to become more sensitive to the internal sounds of the body, leading to tinnitus.
- Secondary Infections – Excessive ear wax can sometimes trap moisture and bacteria, resulting in ear infections. This can lead to tinnitus.
There is a direct link between ear wax and tinnitus, and if you have a build-up of wax then this could be causing your tinnitus or making your symptoms worse.
Tinnitus Treatment Options
Since there are several potential causes of tinnitus, it’s important to book an appointment with an audiologist to identify what could be causing your tinnitus. This will enable them to recommend treatments and create an individual management plan to help your tinnitus.
If ear wax is contributing to tinnitus, removal methods like microsuction or ear syringing can provide you with some relief. During a consultation, an audiologist will be able to discuss ear wax removal with you and arrange the most appropriate method for the consistency of your wax. For chronic tinnitus sufferers, treatments like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), relaxation therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, sleep counselling and hearing aids may be recommended to manage symptoms.
Speak to an Expert About Ear Wax Removal in Farnborough
A build-up of ear wax may be causing your tinnitus or making your symptoms worse. Visiting a local clinic for ear wax removal in Farnborough can help alleviate any pain you’re experiencing and reduce the noises you’re hearing. At The Hearing Hub, we have clinics in both Guildford and Woking, and our audiologists provide effective ear wax removal treatments.
If you are experiencing persistent tinnitus, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to your condition. We offer a tinnitus clinic and we have a wealth of experience assisting patients with tinnitus. Our extensive knowledge enables us to provide full diagnostic assessments and recommend the best treatment options.
If ear wax is a contributing factor to your tinnitus, we can arrange for ear wax removal in Guildford or Woking and do all we can to assist you. Contact our team today on 0330 111 9992 to learn more about how we can assist you.