Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by glands within the ear canal. It serves a protective function, trapping dust, bacteria, and other foreign particles to prevent them from reaching deeper parts of the ear. Vertigo, in contrast, is the sensation of spinning or feeling off-balance. While seemingly unrelated, a buildup of earwax can indeed contribute to episodes of vertigo.
The Connection Between Earwax and Vertigo
The ear is a complex organ with distinct sections, each performing specific roles. The outer ear, where earwax resides, leads to the eardrum, which separates it from the middle ear. Beyond the middle ear lies the inner ear, a delicate structure that houses the vestibular system, responsible for maintaining balance. This system contains fluid and tiny hair-like cells that send signals to the brain about head position and movement.
When an excessive amount of earwax accumulates and becomes impacted, it can exert pressure on the eardrum. This pressure can disrupt the normal vibrations of the eardrum, which are necessary for sound transmission and, indirectly, for the inner ear’s balance functions. Furthermore, a large earwax blockage can directly interfere with the delicate balance signals sent from the inner ear to the brain. This disruption can lead to vertigo. This issue is particularly noticeable when the ear canal is completely blocked by wax, or when the wax presses firmly against the eardrum.
Recognizing Earwax-Related Vertigo
Earwax-related vertigo presents with distinct symptoms, primarily spinning or feeling off-balance. This dizziness may be accompanied by a feeling of fullness or blockage in the affected ear. Other symptoms include muffled hearing, temporary hearing loss (as wax obstructs sound waves), earache, or ringing in the ear (tinnitus). These symptoms frequently improve or resolve once earwax is professionally removed.
Professional Earwax Removal and Relief
When earwax buildup causes symptoms like vertigo, seeking professional removal is recommended. Attempting to remove earwax at home with cotton swabs can be counterproductive and even harmful. Such actions often push the wax deeper into the ear canal, worsening the impaction or potentially damaging the eardrum.
Healthcare providers employ several safe and effective methods for removing impacted earwax. Ear irrigation involves gently flushing the ear canal with warm water or saline to dislodge the wax. Another common method is microsuction, where a specialized suction device is used to remove the wax under direct vision, offering precision. Manual removal with specialized instruments, such as curettes or forceps, is also performed. In some cases, a doctor might suggest using softening drops, such as those containing hydrogen peroxide or mineral oil, for a few days prior to the removal procedure to help loosen the wax. Professional intervention ensures the safest and most effective way to alleviate vertigo and other symptoms caused by earwax.