Can ear wax removal help tinnitus?
In this article, we will discuss tinnitus and how ear wax removal can improve tinnitus when it’s caused by ear wax.
What is tinnitus?
Let’s start by explaining what tinnitus is. Tinnitus, pronounced TIN-ni-tus is very often described by the sufferer as a ringing in the ear. However, it can manifest as hissing, buzzing, whistling, chirping, a whooshing or humming sound, and a throbbing or roaring noise, which can be either intermittent or continuous.
There are many reasons why tinnitus may develop, from exposure to loud sounds, medical conditions such as blood vessel disorders or Meniere’s disease through to certain use of medications or levels of anxiety and depression, or in my case, a side effect of COVID-19, however in this article we are going to focus on how ear wax removal can help alleviate tinnitus.
What is ear wax?
Naturally produced, medically referred to as cerumen, ear wax is a very important substance which assists in the cleaning, lubrication and provides protection to the ear canal. Ear wax helps protect the ear canal from dust, bacteria and other harmful irritants. It is not necessary to remove ear wax unless it is causing problems such as muffled hearing or discomfort such as pain or tinnitus, or impacted wax in the ear canal like in the photo below:
What does tinnitus from ear wax sound like?
In my experience, and via speaking to many of my clients, the best way to describe tinnitus is to place a seashell over your ear, just like we used to do as kids at the seaside and hear the whooshing sound of the sea through the shell. But as mentioned above, it can sound or feel different to each person.
Will impacted ear wax removal help with tinnitus?
The short and simple answer is yes! In many cases, the removal of the ear wax obstruction will, over a short time, reduce or even totally get rid of the sound, as the wax is acting like the seashell over our ear, but in your ear canal.
Unfortunately, as with everything, there are exceptions, and if you have always suffered from tinnitus, it is unlikely that the removed impacted wax will get completely get rid of the sound. However, many of my clients have reported a reduction in the volume. If your tinnitus doesn’t subside, contact your GP to help rule out any physical causes and arrange further tests if required.
Is your hearing affected by ear wax?
Ear wax may appear harmless but can affect your life and health. Around 2.3 million British citizens suffer from ear wax problems each year. These numbers are because often people choose to ignore ear wax problems, and this condition can affect more elderly people in the future.
How often should you remove ear wax?
Ear wax builds up differently in various quantities at varying frequencies, with some patients having regular ear wax care visits, but others have no problems or require medical treatment. The simple answer is that we are all unique, and no one person will have the same requirement for wax removal.
What should you do next?
If you think you have tinnitus caused by impacted ear wax or just have impacted wax, please contact Clear Wax Solutions to make a convenient appointment in your home. We offer professional ear wax removal services in Plymouth and the surrounding areas.