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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Could The Loud Vacuum Noise During Ear Wax Removal Have Caused My Severe Tinnitus, Or Might There Have Been Damage?

I had ear wax removed by micro suction ( vacuum) a month ago by an ENT doc. My right ear he said was completely blocked with wax. He did not soften it first. After the wax removal he did a hearing test and my right ear showed hearing loss. Ever since then I have had very bad tinnitus in my right ear but sometimes in both ears. When he vacuumed the wax it was extremely loud and I moved a couple times in my seat. Could the vacuum noise have caused my tinnitus to become severe or could he have damaged some thing. I did go back to him he looked in my ears and said they were fine. It’s affecting my quality of life at this point I don’t know what to do. I am going to go see another ENT for a second opinion.
Thu, 3 Oct 2024
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hello,

Ideally, the ENT should give wax dissolving ear drops to soften the wax then the procedure of micro suction (vacuum) for removal of ear wax should be done for the best effect, so that post-procedure the temporary change in hearing or mild ringing in the ears, should settle down after a few days. Since it is over a month in your case and you are having severe tinnitus, it is concerning.

The loud noise from a vacuum device used during ear wax removal sometimes temporarily worsen tinnitus. Since it is not resolving on its own, you are advised to get clinically examined by an Audiologist as the noise might cause a temporary threshold shift, where hearing is slightly reduced for a short period.

You are advised to get a second opinion from a different ENT, get evaluated about any damage to the ear drum (tympanic membrane). Hearing can reduce even if there is a partial perforation in the tympanic membrane (eardrum). The size and location of the perforation decides the extent of hearing loss.

While smaller perforations cause minimal hearing loss, larger ones can lead to more significant hearing impairment. In case the tiny bones (ossicles) behind the eardrum are affected, the hearing loss can be more severe.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Nupur K.
General & Family Physician
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Could The Loud Vacuum Noise During Ear Wax Removal Have Caused My Severe Tinnitus, Or Might There Have Been Damage?

Hello, Ideally, the ENT should give wax dissolving ear drops to soften the wax then the procedure of micro suction (vacuum) for removal of ear wax should be done for the best effect, so that post-procedure the temporary change in hearing or mild ringing in the ears, should settle down after a few days. Since it is over a month in your case and you are having severe tinnitus, it is concerning. The loud noise from a vacuum device used during ear wax removal sometimes temporarily worsen tinnitus. Since it is not resolving on its own, you are advised to get clinically examined by an Audiologist as the noise might cause a temporary threshold shift, where hearing is slightly reduced for a short period. You are advised to get a second opinion from a different ENT, get evaluated about any damage to the ear drum (tympanic membrane). Hearing can reduce even if there is a partial perforation in the tympanic membrane (eardrum). The size and location of the perforation decides the extent of hearing loss. While smaller perforations cause minimal hearing loss, larger ones can lead to more significant hearing impairment. In case the tiny bones (ossicles) behind the eardrum are affected, the hearing loss can be more severe. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Nupur K. General & Family Physician