Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural substance produced in the ear canal. Tinnitus is the perception of sound, such as ringing or buzzing, without an external source. Earwax buildup can directly contribute to tinnitus. This article explores their link and management steps.
Understanding Earwax Buildup
Earwax is a waxy substance secreted by glands in the ear canal. It lubricates the ear canal, prevents dryness, and traps dust, dirt, and microorganisms to protect the eardrum and inner ear structures. Earwax is composed of dead skin cells, hair, and glandular secretions.
Normally, earwax naturally migrates out of the ear canal, aided by jaw movements. However, it can accumulate and become impacted, leading to a blockage. This buildup can occur due to narrow ear canals, excessive ear hair, or using cotton swabs, which push wax deeper. Symptoms include a feeling of fullness, ear pain, decreased hearing, or itchiness.
Understanding Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the perception of internal sounds without an external source. It is often described as ringing, but it can also manifest as buzzing, hissing, roaring, clicking, whistling, or pulsing sounds. These phantom sounds can be soft or loud, low- or high-pitched, and may occur in one or both ears.
Tinnitus can be either intermittent, appearing and disappearing, or continuous. While tinnitus is a common symptom affecting millions, it is not a disease itself. Instead, it is a symptom of various underlying health conditions, ranging from ear injuries and age-related hearing loss to certain medications.
The Link Between Earwax and Tinnitus
Earwax buildup can contribute to or worsen tinnitus through several mechanisms. When significant earwax accumulates, it can block the ear canal, affecting how sound waves reach the eardrum. This obstruction can muffle external sounds, making the brain more aware of internal bodily sounds, which are then perceived as tinnitus.
Impacted earwax can also press directly on the eardrum. This pressure disrupts the eardrum’s normal vibrations, sending irregular signals to the brain that are interpreted as phantom noises. Excess wax can also irritate the ear canal, leading to abnormal signals that manifest as tinnitus. Resolving the earwax buildup often brings significant relief from this type of tinnitus.
Managing Earwax-Related Tinnitus
If earwax buildup is suspected as the cause of tinnitus, several approaches can help. For mild cases, over-the-counter ear drops with hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, or mineral oil can soften the wax, allowing it to exit naturally. Gentle ear irrigation with a rubber bulb syringe and warm water may follow. Avoid forceful flushing, especially with a history of eardrum issues.
Do not insert cotton swabs or other objects into the ear canal, as this pushes wax deeper and can damage the eardrum. If home remedies are ineffective, or if symptoms like severe pain, discharge, dizziness, or persistent hearing loss occur, seek professional medical attention. Healthcare providers can safely remove impacted earwax using irrigation, microsuction, or specialized instruments, often resolving earwax-related tinnitus.