Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears without an external source and it affects millions worldwide. Many people describe it as ringing, buzzing, whooshing, or humming. While there are many possible causes, earwax is often overlooked. For some individuals, impacted earwax can lead to temporary tinnitus that disappears once the blockage is removed. This raises an important question many patients ask. What causes tinnitus when earwax is involved and how can you tell if it applies to you?
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Understanding the link between tinnitus and earwax is key to knowing when simple solutions like removal may help and when it is time to explore other causes.
Earwax Basics: Friend or Foe?
Earwax, medically called cerumen, plays a protective role in the ear. It traps dirt, moisturizes the ear canal, and reduces the risk of infections. Despite these benefits, earwax can cause problems when it builds up too much, a condition known as cerumen impaction.
Impacted earwax can block sound from entering the ear normally. When this happens, the auditory system may overcompensate, creating phantom sounds such as tinnitus. Common symptoms include a feeling of fullness, muffled hearing, dizziness, or ringing that improves after wax removal (Cleveland Clinic).
How to Know if Tinnitus Is Caused by Earwax
Many people wonder how to tell if earwax is behind their tinnitus. Signs include:
- Fullness in the ear
- Sudden hearing changes
- Itching or discomfort
- Foul odor or discharge
- Ringing that improves after cleaning
In these cases, the tinnitus usually resolves once the blockage is treated. According to Healthline, it can take hours or days for the ringing to fade after wax removal. If tinnitus continues, something else may be responsible.
Does Removing Earwax Stop Tinnitus?
For most people, yes. Tinnitus caused by wax is rarely permanent. Once the wax is cleared, normal sound transmission resumes and the phantom ringing subsides (NKY Hearing).
However, earwax removal should be done carefully. DIY methods with cotton swabs or sharp tools can push wax deeper, risk infection, or even damage the eardrum. Professional cleaning by an audiologist or ENT is the safest approach (Healthline).
What Is the Main Cause of Tinnitus?
While earwax can be a culprit, it is not the main driver of tinnitus. In fact, the most common cause is sensorineural hearing loss, often from noise exposure or aging. Other contributors include:
- Loud noise exposure (concerts, machinery, or military service)
- Certain medications like NSAIDs or antibiotics
- Head or neck injuries
- Ear infections
- Circulatory or vascular conditions
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders reports that tinnitus is the most common service-related disability among veterans, primarily due to noise exposure.
Why Do I Have So Much Earwax All of a Sudden?
If you notice more wax than usual, several factors may be at play:
- Naturally higher wax production
- Narrow or hairy ear canals
- Dry or hard wax that doesn’t exit naturally
- Frequent use of earplugs, hearing aids, or earbuds
- Using cotton swabs that push wax deeper
As Cleveland Clinic notes, these habits can lead to impaction, especially if you already produce more earwax than average.
Does Tinnitus Get Worse After Earwax Removal?
Some people report that their tinnitus feels worse after wax removal. This could happen if the wax had been masking existing tinnitus, or if the ear is extra sensitive after the procedure.
According to Sussex Audiology Centre, this effect is usually temporary. In rare cases, patients notice a longer-lasting increase, though complications are uncommon.
The team at Tinnitus UK adds that discomfort during the procedure can sometimes make symptoms feel more pronounced, but this generally resolves with time.
How Long Does Tinnitus Last After Earwax Removal?
For most people, tinnitus caused by earwax fades once the blockage is cleared. Sometimes, this happens within hours, while for others it may take days.
A study at OHSU reviewed over 2,400 tinnitus patients and found that only 0.46% developed chronic tinnitus after cerumen removal procedures. This highlights how rare complications are in comparison to the thousands of safe cleanings performed every day.
For a broader view on how long tinnitus can last, Treble Health has a detailed guide on how long tinnitus lasts and what affects it.
Can Earwax Cause Pulsatile Tinnitus?
Pulsatile tinnitus is a rhythmic whooshing or thumping sound that syncs with your heartbeat. Research has not found a direct link between earwax and pulsatile tinnitus. Instead, earwax more commonly causes non-pulsatile tinnitus.
That said, some studies suggest that cerumen impaction can contribute to subjective tinnitus, a broader category that sometimes includes pulsatile cases. More research is needed to confirm this relationship.
A Few Surprising Facts About Earwax
- Earwax has antimicrobial properties that help prevent infections.
- Genetics influence whether your earwax is wet or dry.
- Cotton swabs can worsen wax buildup instead of solving it.
- Some animals, like whales, have earwax plugs that can reveal their age.
These reminders show that while earwax is often frustrating, it’s also a natural and protective part of ear health.
Common Myths About Earwax and Tinnitus
Many people try to self-treat tinnitus without knowing whether earwax is really the issue. Here are a few myths worth clearing up:
- Myth 1: Using cotton swabs is safe for earwax removal.
In reality, cotton swabs push wax deeper into the canal, making blockage and tinnitus worse. - Myth 2: All tinnitus comes from earwax.
While earwax can trigger tinnitus, it is only one of many possible causes. - Myth 3: Ear candles cure tinnitus.
Studies show that ear candling is not only ineffective but can also cause burns or damage to the ear canal.
By understanding what truly works, you avoid making your tinnitus worse with unsafe home remedies.
Safe and Unsafe Ways to Remove Earwax
Not all methods are equal when it comes to clearing earwax safely. Here’s what to know:
- Safe methods: Over-the-counter ear drops, professional irrigation, or manual removal by a doctor.
- Unsafe methods: Cotton swabs, sharp objects, and ear candling. These can make the problem worse or even cause injury.
If you suspect earwax buildup is causing tinnitus, always choose safe methods or consult a specialist before attempting removal.
Treble Health Resources
At Treble Health, we’ve shared resources to help patients navigate the connection between earwax and tinnitus:
Dr. Ben Thompson, AuD, has also covered this in his video Can Earwax Cause Tinnitus?, where he explains the common signs and solutions.
When to See a Professional
Professional evaluation is important. Audiologists can help identify whether tinnitus is earwax-related or due to other underlying causes. If you are wondering what causes tinnitus, a thorough checkup can provide the answers and point you in the right direction.
Treble Health offers personalized tinnitus care, combining sound therapy, cognitive strategies, and hearing support. You don’t have to face tinnitus alone. Expert guidance can make a significant difference.
Taking Charge of What Causes Tinnitus
Earwax can sometimes be the simplest answer to tinnitus, but it is far from the only cause. Understanding when earwax is to blame and when to explore other possibilities is key. For those asking what causes tinnitus, the truth is that it varies from hearing loss to noise exposure to medical conditions, but earwax remains one of the most treatable factors.
If you are unsure whether earwax is contributing to your symptoms, don’t guess. Seek guidance from a hearing professional. At Treble Health, we specialize in helping people take control of tinnitus with proven strategies.Ready to take the next step? Schedule a free consultation and find a plan that works for you.
Next Step: Book Free Consultation
- 75% of patients reduced their tinnitus within three months after following our recommendations.
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- Join thousands of people who have reduced their tinnitus after scheduling a free consultation.
