Skip to main content

Can Earwax Alone Cause Tinnitus? And What Can You Do About It?

Close-up of man's ear; can earwax cause tinnitus concept

The short answer is no, but a buildup of earwax can certainly contribute to the ringing, buzzing, or humming sensation in your ears. Understanding the relationship between earwax and tinnitus helps, and there are potential solutions you can look into.

So, what's the role of earwax (also known as cerumen) in our ears? It's a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal. The primary function of earwax is to protect the ear canal by trapping dirt, dust, and other foreign particles, preventing them from reaching the eardrum. Earwax also has antibacterial properties that help prevent infections in the ear.

Problems can arise when there is an excessive buildup of earwax. This buildup, known as cerumen impaction, occurs when the ear's self-cleaning mechanism is disrupted, leading to a blockage in the ear canal. Symptoms of cerumen impaction can include earache, a feeling of fullness in the ear, itching, and, in some cases, tinnitus.

But while earwax buildup can contribute to tinnitus, it is rarely the sole cause. Tinnitus often results from damage to the tiny hair cells in the inner ear, which are responsible for transmitting sound signals to the brain. This damage can be caused by exposure to loud noises, age-related hearing loss, certain medications, and underlying health conditions such as hypertension or temporomandibular joint disorders.

So, while earwax buildup may exacerbate tinnitus symptoms by obstructing the ear canal and altering the way sound is perceived, it is usually not the root cause of the condition. Nevertheless, addressing excessive earwax buildup can provide relief if you're experiencing tinnitus.

If you think that earwax buildup is contributing to your tinnitus symptoms, it's better to go to your doctor than trying to remove earwax yourself. Attempting to remove earwax at home using cotton swabs or other tools can be dangerous and may push the wax further into the ear canal, worsening the blockage and potentially causing injury.

A healthcare provider, such as an audiologist or an otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist), can perform a thorough examination of your ears to determine if cerumen impaction is a contributing factor to your tinnitus. They may use specialized tools and techniques to safely remove the excess earwax, providing relief from both the blockage and the associated tinnitus symptoms.

In addition to addressing earwax buildup, there are other strategies that can help manage tinnitus symptoms:

Sound Therapy: Using background noise, such as white noise or nature sounds, can help mask the ringing or buzzing sensation of tinnitus, making it less noticeable and more manageable.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: CBT techniques can help individuals develop coping strategies for dealing with tinnitus-related distress and anxiety, improving their overall quality of life.

Medication: In some cases, medications such as antidepressants or antianxiety drugs may be prescribed to alleviate the psychological impact of tinnitus.

Lifestyle Modifications: Avoiding exposure to loud noises, managing stress levels, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can all contribute to reducing tinnitus symptoms.

The bottom line is that earwax buildup can contribute to tinnitus symptoms; however, it's rarely the sole cause of the condition. 


Try Eargasm Earplus

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

3 Highly Effective Stress Management Methods Every Tinnitus Sufferer Can Master

The constant noise of tinnitus can make it difficult to concentrate, sleep, or relax, which in turn, amplifies stress and anxiety. Stress management, then, plays a key role in mitigating the impact of tinnitus.  Here are three highly effective methods that every tinnitus sufferer can master to manage stress and improve overall well-being. Mindfulness Meditation Mindfulness meditation is a simple yet powerful tool for reducing stress and anxiety, especially for those with tinnitus. The goal is to train your mind to stay in the present moment rather than fixating on the internal noise or the stress it causes. Research has shown that regular mindfulness practice can lower stress levels, increase focus, and reduce the perceived intensity of tinnitus sounds. How to Get Started   Begin by setting aside 10-15 minutes each day to sit in a quiet space. Close your eyes and focus on your breath, paying attention to the sensation of air entering and leaving your body. If your mind dr...
Post a Comment
Read more

Can Allergies Cause Tinnitus?

The short answer is: Yes, allergies can cause tinnitus. Hearing loss, too.  Allergy-related tinnitus is typically due to the congestion that allergies cause. Anything from allergic rhinitis (hay fever) to sinus infections increases the risk of developing tinnitus.  Basically anything that affects the nasal and sinus passages can lead to tinnitus. That's because when allergies affect the nasal passages and sinuses, they can cause inflammation and swelling, leading to congestion and pressure changes in the ear. This pressure change can lead to tinnitus. Allergy meds can be a problem too Tinnitus can also be a side effect of certain medications used to treat allergies, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin. These medications can potentially cause tinnitus as a side effect, especially when taken in high doses. Other causes of tinnitus In addition to allergies, there are several other causes of tinnitus. In some cases, tinnitus can be a symptom of an u...
Post a Comment
Read more

Try Saline When Your Hearing Is Muffled After Loud Noise Exposure

If you've got temporary hearing loss or tinnitus after being at a loud concert or sports event, you may be able to fix it -- if you act fast. A 2021 Keck Medicine of USC study published in Science Daily  has found that the nerve damage to the inner ear caused by loud noises is basically a build up of fluids. Treating that "fluid buildup with a readily available saline solution lessened nerve damage in the inner ear." A previous study by the same otolaryngologist showed that inner ear fluid level is not affected until noises reach 100 decibels, which is how loud a motorcycle is.  "When researchers applied hypertonic saline, a salt-based solution used to treat nasal congestions in humans, into affected ears one hour after the noise exposure, both the immediate fluid buildup and the long-term nerve damage lessened, implying that the hearing loss could be at least partially prevented." The benefits of this knowledge are twofold: 1. If fluid buildup can be measured, ...
Post a Comment
Read more