There are many reasons for people to call us out for home visits to deal with earwax problems, but is tinnitus one of them?
Tinnitus is a very unpleasant condition that involves whooshing, buzzing, tapping, hissing and other sounds in the inner ear. It is a common condition, with around 15-20 per cent of people suffering to some extent, although when it becomes very severe, it is increasingly important to do something about it.
What Are The Causes Of Tinnitus?
A key question is whether earwax can often be a cause of tinnitus. The answer is yes. However, it is worth noting that it can also arise from other causes. These include:
· Damage to the sensitive hairs in the inner ear
· Ear infections
· Damage to the head or neck
· Some medications
· Meniere’s disease
· Tumours in the ear
These are just some of the other possible causes. Nonetheless, if your ear feels blocked, there is a good chance that earwax is the problem, as the pressure from it can cause tinnitus.
If this is indeed the case, then removing the wax will make a huge difference. You should feel immediate physical relief from the pressure and if your hearing has been impaired, that situation should also improve as you enjoy being able to hear freely again. The subsequent absence of tinnitus will be ample proof that earwax was the cause.
Although some cases of earwax causing tinnitus can be dealt with by self-medication, more severe cases warrant expert help. You may also want to do this urgently because the symptoms have become very severe and you are in serious discomfort.
If your tinnitus is caused by earwax, you should be able to tell by the feeling of fullness and pressure in your ear, as well as other symptoms like reduced hearing.
If the tinnitus persists after wax removal, this is not a sign that the wax removal was not beneficial, but it could be an indication that there is a further problem. In such a case, you should seek medical advice.
