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Earwax blockage is a common condition that affects many people and can cause a range of symptoms, including ear wax tinnitus - the perception of sound (often described as a ringing or buzzing in the ears) without an external source. However, not everyone with an ear wax blockage will experience tinnitus but may notice other symptoms such as muffled or a temporary hearing loss, earache or a feeling of full or itchy ears.
When earwax blocks the ear canal, this can make tinnitus more noticeable as our perception of background noise is reduced and allows our brain to focus more on internal sounds of the body (tinnitus). However, when our ears are not blocked with wax, we are more able to hear background noise which helps to mask the internal sounds known as tinnitus.
Can Ear Wax Removal Reduce Tinnitus?
After earwax removal, many people find that they no longer notice the internal sounds that cause tinnitus. However, it is different for everyone. For some, it may take a few days for the tinnitus to reduce after ear wax removal. This raises the question, how long does tinnitus last after ear wax removal? While most individuals experience noticeable improvement within a few days.
If it is taking longer than expected for tinnitus to go away after ear wax removal, then it is always a good idea to consult with a medical professional such as an Ear Care Nurse, Audiologist or GP to discuss any concerns.
It is also important to remember that ear wax removal should always be carried out by a qualified and experienced healthcare professional, as attempting to remove ear wax yourself can result in damage to the ear canal or ear drum.
Reputable, private microsuction services can now be found offering treatments at local GP surgeries or healthcare clinics and syringing may also be offered in your area by the NHS.
Does Earwax Cause Pulsatile Tinnitus?
Pulsatile tinnitus is a less common form of tinnitus often described as a rhythmic thumping or whooshing sound, which appears to be in synchronised with the heartbeat. For those curious about the link between pulsatile tinnitus earwax and blockage, According to Medical News Today, studies do not indicate a clear link between earwax buildup and pulsatile tinnitus. However, most people report that their perception of tinnitus is reduced following ear wax removal via safe methods such as microsuction.
Also Learn: How to keep ears wax free?
Will My Tinnitus Go Away After Ear Wax Removal?
In summary, earwax blockage can trigger tinnitus, but this is not the case for everyone. Ear wax build up can cause a number of other symptoms such as temporary hearing loss, itchy ears and earache. Most people find that after ear wax removal treatments, such as microsuction, they no longer notice their tinnitus (the internal noise we often associate with a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears) as their perception of background noise increases once the blockage is removed and hearing is improved.**It can sometimes take a few days for the tinnitus to noticeably reduce and it is a good idea to speak to a healthcare professional if tinnitus persists even after ear wax removal. It is also recommended that ear wax removal is only carried out safely by experienced professionals in order to avoid any damage that can be caused when trying to remove an ear wax blockage.
Also Read:** How long do ear drops take to clear wax?
