Can Earwax Cause Tinnitus? Here’s the Truth

Can Earwax Cause Tinnitus? Here’s the Truth

A detailed explanation of the link between earwax buildup and ringing in the ears

Tinnitus is a condition where a person hears sounds such as ringing, buzzing, humming or hissing without an external source. It can be constant or intermittent and may affect one or both ears. For many people, tinnitus can be worrying and disruptive, especially when it interferes with sleep or concentration. One common question people ask is whether earwax buildup can cause tinnitus.

Understanding how earwax affects the ear and hearing system helps explain why tinnitus can sometimes occur and when simple treatment may help relieve symptoms.

What Is Earwax and Why Do We Have It?

Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal. It helps protect the ear by trapping dust, dirt, and bacteria, preventing them from reaching the eardrum. Earwax also helps keep the ear canal moisturised and reduces the risk of infection.

Normally, earwax moves out of the ear canal naturally and falls away without causing any problems. However, in some people, earwax can build up and become impacted.

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound that does not come from an external source. It is a symptom rather than a condition itself and can be caused by a variety of underlying factors. Tinnitus can range from mild and occasional to persistent and distressing.

Common triggers include hearing loss, ear infections, exposure to loud noise, certain medications, and problems affecting the ear canal or middle ear.

Can Earwax Cause Tinnitus?

Yes, earwax buildup can cause tinnitus in some cases. When earwax becomes impacted, it can block the ear canal and interfere with normal sound transmission. This blockage may create pressure against the eardrum or alter how sounds are perceived, leading to ringing or buzzing sensations.

In addition, earwax buildup can reduce hearing temporarily. The brain may respond to reduced sound input by producing phantom sounds, which can present as tinnitus.

Other Symptoms of Earwax Buildup

When tinnitus is caused by earwax, it is often accompanied by other symptoms. These may include a feeling of fullness in the ear, muffled hearing, earache, dizziness, itching or occasional ear discharge. Some people may also notice worsening tinnitus when lying down or when pressure changes occur.

Recognising these symptoms can help identify earwax as a possible cause.

Will Removing Earwax Stop Tinnitus?

If earwax buildup is the cause of tinnitus, removing the blockage often leads to improvement or complete resolution of symptoms. Many people notice their hearing returns to normal and the ringing fades once the ear canal is clear.

However, tinnitus may persist if there are other contributing factors, such as age-related hearing loss or previous noise damage. This is why proper assessment is important before treatment.

Why You Should Avoid Removing Earwax Yourself

Using cotton buds, hairpins, or other objects to remove earwax can push it deeper into the ear canal, making the blockage worse. These methods can also damage the ear canal or eardrum and increase the risk of infection.

If earwax buildup is suspected, professional advice should always be sought.

How Earwax Is Safely Removed

Earwax can be safely managed using softening drops, professional irrigation or microsuction, depending on the severity of the buildup. A healthcare professional can assess the ear and recommend the safest method of removal.

Pharmacies and clinics that offer ear care services can guide patients through the process and ensure treatment is carried out safely.

When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

Medical advice should be sought if tinnitus is sudden or severe, affects only one ear, or is accompanied by hearing loss, pain, dizziness, or discharge. Persistent tinnitus should always be assessed to rule out underlying causes.

If tinnitus does not improve after earwax removal, further investigation may be needed.

Conclusion

Earwax buildup can cause tinnitus by blocking the ear canal and interfering with normal hearing. In many cases, safely removing earwax can significantly improve or completely resolve tinnitus symptoms. However, tinnitus can have multiple causes, so professional assessment is important.

If you are experiencing ringing in your ears or symptoms of earwax buildup, a pharmacist or healthcare professional can help identify the cause and guide you toward safe and effective treatment.