Can earwax cause tinnitus or hearing loss, and how can a professional ear examination in Shirley, Solihull help?
- Jonny Houlton
- Feb 10
- 4 min read
If you’ve been noticing a persistent ringing, a strange buzzing, or feel like the world has been turned down, you aren't alone. It’s natural to worry when your hearing changes, especially if you rely on a hearing aid. The good news? Earwax buildup is one of the most common and treatable reasons for these changes.
In this guide, we’ll break down the symptoms of ear wax build-up, how it causes muffled hearing, and what you can do about it. If you’re tired of guessing, we’ll also explain how a professional ear examination in Shirley, Solihull can provide the clarity you need.
Quick Answer: Can Earwax Cause Tinnitus Or Hearing Loss?
The short answer is yes. When wax blocks your ear canal, it acts like a natural earplug. The NHS confirms that tinnitus (ringing in the ears), hearing loss, and that frustrating blocked feeling are all common signs of excess wax.
If a blockage is the culprit, clearing it often brings immediate relief. However, since these symptoms can have other causes, an expert check is the best way to rule out more serious issues.
Why Does Earwax Become a Problem
Earwax isn't dirty, it’s actually your ear’s way of cleaning itself! It traps dust and protects your skin. However, wax can get stuck (impacted) if you:
Wear hearing aids or use earbud headphones frequently.
Have narrow or curvy ear canals.
Are older (wax tends to get drier and harder as we age).
When wax doesn't move out naturally, it leads to earwax build-up symptoms that can really knock your confidence in social situations.
Common Earwax Build-Up Symptoms
Everyone experiences it differently, but you should look out for:
A muffled or distant quality to sounds.
A feeling of fullness or cotton wool in the ear.
Earache or general discomfort.
Ringing, buzzing, or humming (tinnitus).
Occasional dizziness.
Because these symptoms overlap with other conditions, it’s much safer to have a professional look rather than trying to diagnose yourself.
How Wax Causes Muffled Hearing
Think of your ear canal as a hallway. If a door (the wax) is shut, sound has to work much harder to reach your eardrum. This is why you might find yourself turning the TV up or asking people to repeat themselves.
This is known as conductive hearing loss from earwax. It sounds technical, but it simply means sound is being physically blocked. Most of the time, this is temporary and improves the moment the blockage is cleared.
The Link Between Earwax And Tinnitus
Tinnitus is when you hear sounds that aren't coming from the outside world. When wax blocks external noise, your brain tries to turn up the gain to hear better. This can make internal sounds, like ringing or buzzing, feel much louder and more intrusive.
While wax isn't always the only cause of tinnitus, it is often the easiest one to check and resolve.
Why Hearing Aid Users Need To Be Extra Careful
If you wear hearing aids, wax is your number one enemy. The device can accidentally push wax deeper into the canal, and the wax itself can clog the hearing aid's microphones. If your device suddenly sounds whistly or weak, it’s a good time to check for earwax in Shirley, Solihull, before assuming your expensive hearing aid is broken.
Safe Next Steps: Get an Ear Examination in Shirley, Solihull
If your ears feel blocked, please resist the urge to use cotton buds! These usually just pack the wax tighter against your eardrum.
The safest path is:
Professional Assessment: Confirm it is actually wax with a visual check.
Gentle Softening: Use pharmacist-approved drops if recommended.
Clinical Removal: Use a safe, modern method like microsuction if the wax is stubborn.
For a stress-free experience, you can book microsuction ear wax removal in Shirley, Solihull, where the treatment comes to you.
Why Microsuction Is The Gold Standard
Many local residents prefer microsuction because it is a dry method. Using a gentle medical vacuum and a microscope, a clinician can see exactly what they are doing, making it much safer and quicker than the old-fashioned syringing (irrigation) method.
When To Seek Urgent Help
Most ear issues aren't emergencies, but you should contact NHS 111 or your GP immediately if you experience:
Sudden, total hearing loss.
Severe dizziness or vomiting.
Blood or discharge from the ear.
Tinnitus that beats in time with your pulse.
Expert Ear Care In Your Own Home
We know that getting to a clinic can be a hassle when you aren't feeling your best. Ear Care 4 You provides professional home visits across Shirley, Solihull, as well as Knowle, Dorridge, and Wythall.
Our NHS-trained clinicians provide a calm, unrushed service. We’ll show you exactly what’s happening inside your ear and explain your options clearly, no jargon, no pressure.
FAQs
Q. Can earwax cause tinnitus in just one ear?
Yes, it is very common for one ear to become more blocked than the other, leading to one-sided muffled hearing or ringing.
Q. Is microsuction safe?
When performed by a trained professional using a microscope, it is widely considered the safest and most effective way to clear earwax.
Q. How do I know if it’s wax or a permanent hearing change?
The only way to be sure is a professional ear examination in Shirley, Solihull. If we see a clear eardrum but you still have symptoms, we can point you toward the right medical next steps.
Ready to Hear Clearly Again?
Don't let blocked ears or ringing hold you back. The first step to relief is a professional look. We offer friendly, expert ear examinations in Shirley, Solihull to help you get back to your best.
Call us today on 07482 553743
Email: info@earcare4you.com
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