If you have started noticing ringing, buzzing, or a faint humming sound in your ears, it is natural to feel concerned. Many people worry that tinnitus is a sign of something serious, but in some cases, the cause can be much simpler than you expect. A common question we hear at Midnight Pharmacy is: Can earwax cause tinnitus?

The answer is yes, earwax can sometimes contribute to tinnitus, especially when it builds up and blocks the ear canal. This type of tinnitus may feel sudden, may affect one ear more than the other, and often comes with a blocked or muffled sensation.

As a trusted pharmacy and ear clinic, Midnight Pharmacy supports patients with safe ear health advice, professional assessments, and effective treatment options. If you are unsure what is causing your symptoms, get in touch with us to speak to our team or arrange an ear check.

What Is Tinnitus And What Does It Feel Like?

Tinnitus is the name for hearing sounds that do not come from an external source. People describe it in different ways, including:

• –> Ringing
• –> Buzzing
• –> Hissing
• –> Whistling
• –> Clicking
• –> A low humming sound

Tinnitus can be constant or intermittent, and it may be more noticeable at night when the environment is quieter. It can affect one ear or both.

While tinnitus has many possible causes, a blockage in the ear canal is one of the more straightforward issues to identify and treat.

How Earwax Build-Up Can Trigger Ringing In The Ears

Earwax is normal and protective. It helps trap dust and debris, keeps the ear canal moisturised, and provides a natural barrier against infection. However, when earwax builds up faster than it clears, it can harden and form a blockage.

So, can earwax cause tinnitus? It can, because blockages may interfere with how sound travels through the ear. When hearing is muffled, your brain may become more aware of internal sounds, which can make ringing more noticeable.

Earwax build-up may lead to tinnitus by:

• –> Blocking sound and reducing hearing clarity
• –> Creating pressure in the ear canal
• –> Causing irritation or inflammation
• –> Making existing tinnitus feel louder
• –> Trapping water after showering or swimming

This is why many people notice tinnitus after using earbuds, wearing hearing protection regularly, or trying to clean their ears with cotton buds.

If you suspect a blockage, contact us, and we can advise you on the safest next step.

Signs Your Tinnitus Could Be Caused By Earwax

Tinnitus linked to earwax often comes with other symptoms. While it is not always obvious, there are some common patterns we see in clinic.

Signs that earwax may be contributing include:

• –> A blocked or full feeling in one or both ears
• –> Muffled hearing or reduced hearing clarity
• –> Tinnitus that started suddenly
• –> Ringing that changes when you move your jaw or press near the ear
• –> Itchiness in the ear canal
• –> Mild ear discomfort
• –> Hearing that improves briefly after yawning, then blocks again

Some patients also notice that one ear feels worse than the other, which can be a clue that wax build-up is uneven.

If these symptoms sound familiar, reach out to book an ear check at Midnight Pharmacy, and we will help you identify the cause.

What Not To Do If You Think You Have A Blockage

When tinnitus starts, many people try to fix it quickly at home. Unfortunately, some common tools can make things worse by pushing wax deeper or irritating the ear canal.

Avoid:

• –> Cotton buds, as they often compact wax further
• –> Hair grips or other objects, which can damage the ear canal
• –> Ear candles, which are not recommended and can cause burns
• –> Overusing ear drops without advice, especially if you have pain or discharge

If you are unsure whether you have wax, an infection, or something else, it is always safer to have your ears checked first.

Contact us to arrange an appointment with our ear clinic team.

How We Treat Earwax Safely At Midnight Pharmacy

If earwax is confirmed as the cause of your symptoms, professional removal is often the quickest and safest solution. At Midnight Pharmacy, we offer private microsuction in Bradford, which is a modern method of earwax removal performed under direct visual guidance.

Microsuction is widely preferred because it is:

• –> Quick and precise
• –> Suitable for many patients with sensitive ears
• –> Performed without flushing water into the ear
• –> Often effective even with stubborn wax build-up
• –> Done with careful monitoring throughout

Many patients notice an improvement in blocked hearing straight away, and if the tinnitus was linked to the blockage, it may reduce significantly once the wax is removed. In some cases, tinnitus may take a little longer to settle as the ear adjusts.

Will Removing Earwax Always Stop Tinnitus?

This is an important question, and we always aim to give realistic advice. If tinnitus is caused by earwax, removing the blockage can improve or resolve it. However, tinnitus can also be linked to other factors such as hearing loss, noise exposure, stress, infections, or jaw issues.

That is why an assessment matters. If wax is not the main cause, we can guide you on what to do next and when to seek further support.

You should seek urgent medical advice if tinnitus is accompanied by:

• –> Sudden hearing loss
• –> Severe dizziness or vertigo
• –> Ear pain with fever
• –> Blood or pus-like discharge
• –> Facial weakness
• –> A sudden loud tinnitus after a head injury

If you are worried about your symptoms, contact us, and we will advise you promptly.

Book An Ear Check At Midnight Pharmacy

So, can earwax cause tinnitus? Yes, it can, and it is one of the most treatable causes of ringing in the ears. If you are experiencing tinnitus along with blocked hearing or discomfort, it is worth having your ears checked by a professional rather than guessing at home treatments or turning to tools.

Midnight Pharmacy is a trusted pharmacy and ear clinic offering safe assessments and private microsuction in Bradford. Reach out to us today to speak to our team or book your appointment.

This blog was written on behalf of Midnight Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.