Can Cerumen Cause Tinnitus?

Posted on Wed, 28 Dec 2016

Question: Hi
I have had tinntius for 10 years and my right ear has reccently become blocked with wax - i went to get it microsuctioned however, was so scared of it affetcing my tinntius they only removed 80% of the wax - now my tinnitus has gone SO loud in that ear and im hearing news sounds - like the sound of the microsuction vaccum if that makes snese with the new high pithced tinnitus
Addittionally, im hearing weird nosies from that ear when i hear normal sounds like music, tv, kettlte boiling, like an echoe or robotic like noises - i dont know what to do
I can't take the weird noises from that ear, im covering it up with cotton wool - beacuse im so freaked out.
This all happened on thursday, so 5 days ago.

i don't know if this is becuase theres still wax there/ or if the microsuction damaged my ear?

Im also having ear pain, and headaches, however, i don't know if this is anxeity related

When i left the ENT - he said to use olive oil drops and come back in 3 months to remove the wax
He doesnt know about any of these symptoms - as i didnt realize them until i left.

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Tinnitis

Detailed Answer:
Hi
wax is most common cause of tinnitis
so use waxrid ear drops and get it removed, microsuction has sound that might have increased tinnitis but it ll go as wax is cleaned
also get an audiometry done to rule out any other reason

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (6 hours later)

Yes but wax wasn't the cause of my tinnitus it was by noise sounds music which caused the damage

I'm just worried the microsuction may have worsened the tinnitus
But I don't know if it's cause of the impacted wax that's still in my ear or if the mircosuctions caused damage

I just don't know if impacted wax could be causing the loss of heating that's muffled and sounds weird or not

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Tinnitus

Detailed Answer:
Hi
thanks for putting up the querry
microsuction doesn't cause normally any damage due to sound because the frequency is very low but hitting the tip somewhere can lead to injury.
On suctioning if wax is not completely cleaned, the remaining wax leads to hissing in the ears.
Whether tinnitis and hearing loss is due to wax or noise trauma by suction, diagnosis can only be made on audiometry..
If i would have received patient in my clinic, i would have undertaken few clinical examinations which is nit possible here
si please get an audiometry done and get back to me with its results
i would be happy ti help you..
Take care
Dr. XXXXXXX

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (33 minutes later)

What kind of injury ?
Permentanr or not?

In order for them to seeing my ear would I need to remove the remaining wax or not?

I have a gp appointment today should I ask to be referred to ent

Answered by Dr. Priyanka Aggarwal (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Tinnitus

Detailed Answer:
Hi
injury can be to the drum or it can be noise trauma where injury can't be seen because it involves nerves
since very less time has elapsed, injury seems to be recoverable..
Audiometry is the best aid to tell the type and extent of injury
yes better get referred to an ENT specialist...
A prompt examination is must..even ent specialist will see if wax is there or not and will clean if required

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy