Earwax Basics: What It Does & Why You Need It

Earwax (also called cerumen) is not dirt—it’s your ear’s natural cleaning and protection system. Glands in the
ear canal produce wax that:

• Traps dust, debris, and small particles before they reach the eardrum
• Helps protect against bacteria, fungi, and irritation
• Keeps the delicate skin in the ear canal from drying out

In most people, earwax slowly moves outward and falls out on its own. But sometimes that system doesn’t work
perfectly—and that’s when problems like blockage, muffled hearing, and tinnitus can show up.

How Earwax Buildup Can Cause Tinnitus

Earwax can contribute to tinnitus in a few ways:

• Physical blockage: Impacted wax can partially or completely block the ear canal, changing how
  sound and vibrations reach the eardrum.
• Distorted sound perception: When sound is blocked, your brain receives less input and may “turn
  up the volume” internally—producing ringing, buzzing, or roaring.
• Pressure or fullness: Wax pressed against the eardrum can create a sensation of pressure or
  fullness, which can be accompanied by tinnitus, echoing, or a “hollow” sound.

This type of tinnitus is often temporary and improves significantly when the blockage is safely
removed. However, earwax isn’t the only cause of tinnitus. For a broader overview, visit
Tinnitus Causes & Triggers and
Tinnitus and Hearing Loss.

Signs Your Tinnitus Might Be Related to Earwax

While only an in-person exam can confirm whether earwax is the culprit, these clues suggest that earwax could be
playing a role:

• Clogged or muffled hearing in one ear – especially if tinnitus is stronger on that side.
  See Tinnitus in One Ear vs Both Ears.
• A feeling of fullness, pressure, or “water in the ear”
• Tinnitus that began or worsened after using cotton swabs, earbuds, or earplugs frequently
• Hearing your own voice as unusually loud or echoing (autophony)
• Occasional sharp discomfort when chewing, yawning, or inserting earbuds

If both ears feel plugged, your tinnitus may be more noticeable simply because everything else sounds
quieter. Many patients are surprised how much better their ears feel—and sound—after safe wax removal.

When Tinnitus Is Probably Not Just Earwax

Even if you have earwax, it might not be the full story. You should not assume that every ring or buzz
is due to wax—especially if any of the following are also present:

• Sudden tinnitus with noticeable hearing loss in one ear
• Tinnitus plus spinning vertigo, severe dizziness, or imbalance
• Tinnitus that sounds like a heartbeat or whooshing in time with your pulse
• Significant ear pain, drainage, or fever
• Tinnitus following a head or neck injury

These patterns may point to other issues, including sudden hearing loss, Meniere’s disease, pulsatile tinnitus,
or infection—and may require urgent care. For guidance, see
When to See a Doctor About Tinnitus,
Sudden Tinnitus: Should I Go to the ER?, and
What Is Pulsatile Tinnitus?.

Earwax “Don’ts” – What to Avoid

Aggressive home cleaning is one of the most common ways wax gets pushed deeper, increasing the risk of
impaction, irritation, and worsened tinnitus. When in doubt, let a professional evaluate your
ears instead of guessing.

Safe Earwax Removal Options

At California Hearing Center, we focus on safe, gentle removal techniques tailored to your ears
and medical history. Depending on your situation, options may include:

What If Tinnitus Stays After Wax Is Removed?

It’s very common for patients to hope tinnitus will vanish the moment wax is cleared. Sometimes it does—but not
always. There are a few reasons:

• Earwax and hearing loss can coexist. Removing wax may reveal underlying
  hearing changes that were already there.
• The brain may stay “on high alert.” After a period of blockage and stress, tinnitus pathways
  can remain active even once the obstruction is gone.
• Other factors may be contributing—such as noise exposure, stress, medications, TMJ, or blood
  pressure.

If tinnitus persists after wax removal, a more complete tinnitus workup can help identify patterns and options:

• Tinnitus Severity Assessment
• What to Expect at Your Tinnitus Appointment
• Comprehensive Tinnitus Treatment Options
• Hearing Aids for Tinnitus
• Coping with Tinnitus Anxiety

Many patients find that combining ear health care with hearing support, sound therapy, and stress-reduction tools
leads to the best long-term results. For real-world examples, visit
Tinnitus Patient Success Stories.

Earwax & Tinnitus in Bay Area Patients

In the San Francisco Bay Area, we frequently see earwax-related tinnitus in people who:

• Use earbuds or in-ear headphones for many hours each day (tech workers, students, remote professionals)
• Wear earplugs regularly for sleep, concerts, or work
• Have naturally narrow or curved ear canals
• Have tried to “clean” their ears at home with cotton swabs or other objects

If this sounds familiar, it may be worth scheduling a gentle ear exam—even if you’re not sure wax is involved.
During the same visit, we can also evaluate your hearing and discuss any ongoing tinnitus concerns.

For location-specific information, explore:
San Francisco Tinnitus Treatment,
East Bay – Oakland & Berkeley,
South Bay & San Jose, and
Peninsula Tinnitus Treatment.

Next Steps with California Hearing Center

If you’re dealing with clogged ears and ringing, buzzing, or whooshing, we can help you:

• Determine whether earwax is contributing to your tinnitus
• Safely remove wax when appropriate
• Evaluate your hearing and screen for other causes of tinnitus
• Build a personalized plan to reduce how much tinnitus affects daily life

Before your visit, you may find it helpful to read:

• What Is Tinnitus?
• Tinnitus Causes & Triggers
• Can Tinnitus Go Away on Its Own?
• 
  Best Relaxation Techniques for Tinnitus Relief
  
• 
  Can Hearing Aids Help with Tinnitus? – Insights for Palo Alto Residents