The Role of Ear Cleaning in Tinnitus Management

One of the biggest misconceptions around would be the fact that earwax is bad for your ears. In fact, your ears need earwax, it’s healthy and without it, you’re running the risk of infections. However, too much earwax can actually be bad for the ears. It can cause irritation and potential infections, but you can even run the risk of hearing problems such as tinnitus.

Needless to say, there needs to be a balance for how much earwax is safe for the ears. Hopefully, this article is going to help you out, as ear cleaning actually plays a huge role in tinnitus management, something that any audiologist would tell you about. So, let’s dive in and take a closer look at the connection.

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the ringing, buzzing, clicking or hissing sounds you hear in your ears. It’s not a condition itself, but it is a symptom of an underlying health condition that can make it difficult to focus, work or sleep. Your audiologist will conduct a small physical as well as a hearing test to measure how much your tinnitus is affecting your ability to hear. Usually, tinnitus goes away on its own, but sometimes it can get to the point where changes need to be made, whether it’s cleaning the ears, wearing hearing aids or changing your medication. Talk with your audiologist about the effects of tinnitus and what treatments are available.

Is Earwax Able to Trigger Tinnitus?

While loud noises are known to cause tinnitus, it can also be triggered by earwax. While earwax doesn’t necessarily cause tinnitus, as all ears need earwax, it’s more about having too much built up in your ears. Earwax impaction can also make it difficult for sound to pass through your eardrum and into the cochlea, which is where the hearing takes place, which is exactly why those phantom noises will begin.

What’s the Importance of Ear Cleaning?

Ear cleaning can help with tinnitus management by removing excess earwax and debris that may be causing the symptoms. When left untreated, earwax buildup can cause blockages in the ear canal, which can lead to hearing loss and exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. It is important to note that not all cases of tinnitus are caused by excess earwax or debris. However, if your tinnitus symptoms are accompanied by a feeling of fullness in your ears or difficulty hearing, then it may be worth considering getting your ears cleaned as part of your overall tinnitus management plan.

Will Tinnitus Every Go Away After Earwax Removal?

Earwax removal, whether by irrigation or micro suction, should relieve your tinnitus. You should not do this yourself; instead, your audiologist will have all the right tools to remove the earwax for you. But you need to keep in mind that even with earwax removal, you still might have tinnitus and this can easily indicate that there’s another reason for having it.

What If I Still Have Tinnitus After Earwax Removal?

If your tinnitus persists after removing excessive earwax, it is important to consult with an audiologist. They can perform tests to determine the root cause of your tinnitus and recommend treatment options to address it. Usually, those who are experiencing tinnitus will have their ears cleaned first by an audiologist just to ensure whether or not it was built-up earwax. Talk with your audiologist today about the proper ways to manage your tinnitus and the importance of ear cleaning.