A Deep Dive Into Earwax and Tinnitus (Gross)

Close-up of a woman's ear; earwax and tinnitus concept

Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by the body to protect and lubricate the ear canal. In normal circumstances, earwax is not a problem and actually helps maintain ear health.

However, excessive earwax buildup or impacted earwax can cause discomfort and affect your hearing. In fact, excessive or impacted earwax can sometimes contribute to the development or worsening of tinnitus.

When there's an accumulation of earwax in the ear canal, it can block the passage of sound waves, leading to a feeling of fullness and decreased hearing.

This blockage can also disrupt the normal functioning of the ear, potentially causing or exacerbating tinnitus symptoms.

The amount of earwax that becomes problematic varies from person to person. Some people naturally produce more earwax than others, which can increase the likelihood of problems. Additionally, factors such as the shape of your ear canal, the consistency of your earwax, and your personal hygiene practices can influence whether or not earwax becomes problematic for you.

Signs that excessive earwax may be causing a problem include:

- Earache or pain.

- Feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear.

- Reduced hearing or temporary hearing loss.

- Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ear).

- Itching or discharge from the ear.

- Dizziness or a sense of imbalance.

If you have tinnitus and suspect that earwax may be a contributing factor, see your doctor. They can examine your ears and determine whether earwax removal (usually by microsuction) may help alleviate your symptoms.

Don't try removing earwax yourself. Whether you use cotton swabs or other objects, you can potentially push the wax deeper and/or cause damage to the ear canal.

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Tinnitus Help - Stop the Ringing in Your Ears

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