Yes, earwax can cause dizziness and balance problems when it builds up and blocks the ear canal. While earwax usually clears itself naturally, a blockage can sometimes affect the normal function of your ear, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, muffled hearing, and a feeling of fullness.
In this blog, we’ll explain how earwax can affect your balance, the signs of impacted earwax, and when to seek professional earwax removal.
Understanding Earwax and What Causes Build-Up
Earwax, or cerumen, is a natural substance that protects and cleans your ear canal. It usually clears itself, but in some people, it builds up faster than it can escape, leading to a blockage. Common causes include using cotton buds, wearing hearing aids or earphones regularly, or simply producing more wax than average.
Can Earwax Cause Dizziness?
Yes, impacted earwax can cause dizziness, particularly when it presses against the eardrum and affects the fluid balance inside the ear. The inner ear plays a key role in balance, so even a small blockage can throw off your sense of stability. This is one of the lesser-known ways earwax can affect balance, alongside more common symptoms like muffled hearing.
Recognising Impacted Earwax Symptoms
Impacted earwax symptoms often build up gradually, making them easy to dismiss at first. Watch out for:
- Muffled or reduced hearing
- A feeling that your ear is blocked
- Mild dizziness or unsteadiness
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Earache or discomfort
If you’re noticing several of these together, it’s worth getting your ears checked rather than waiting for symptoms to settle on their own.
How Is Impacted Earwax Diagnosed and Treated?
A pharmacist or hearing specialist can diagnose impacted earwax by examining your ear canal with an otoscope, then recommend safe earwax removal if needed.
What Is Ear Microsuction?
Ear microsuction is a gentle, precise method of removing earwax using a small suction device under close visual guidance. It’s widely regarded as one of the safest removal methods, as it avoids water and reduces the risk of pushing wax further in, unlike traditional syringing.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
A typical microsuction appointment involves:
- A quick ear examination to check for blockage
- Gentle suction to remove the wax, usually taking a few minutes per ear
- Advice on aftercare and preventing future build-up
When to Seek Professional Earwax Removal
You should seek professional earwax removal if you’re experiencing dizziness, pain, sudden hearing loss or if home remedies have not worked. According to the NHS, you should never use cotton buds or sharp objects to remove wax, as this can push it deeper or damage the ear canal.
Ready to Hear and Feel Balanced Again? Book Your Ear Microsuction Today
Whether you’ve been struggling with blocked ears, reduced hearing, or dizziness, professional earwax removal can help restore comfort and improve your hearing. If you’re looking for earwax removal in Gerrards Cross or ear microsuction in Fulmer, Aroga Pharmacy in Farnham Common can help you. We use Tympa Health technology to carry out safe, precise ear microsuction, giving us a clear view of your ear canal throughout the procedure. You can book your earwax removal appointment today, with the cost just £60 for both ears.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can earwax really affect my balance?
Yes, when earwax builds up and presses against the eardrum, it can disrupt the inner ear’s role in balance, leading to mild dizziness.
How can I tell if my earwax is impacted?
Signs include muffled hearing, a blocked feeling, dizziness, and earache. A pharmacist can confirm this with a quick examination.
Is ear microsuction painful?
No, ear microsuction is generally painless and well tolerated, as it uses gentle suction rather than water or pressure.
How long does earwax removal take?
Most microsuction appointments take between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on how much wax needs to be removed.
Can I remove earwax at home safely?
Softening drops can help with mild build-up, but the NHS advises against cotton buds or DIY tools, as they can worsen blockages.
How often should I get my ears checked for wax build-up?
This varies by individual, but those prone to build-up, such as hearing aid users, may benefit from checks every 6 to 12 months.