Ringing ear after syringing to remove wax. Help! - Tinnitus UK

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Ringing ear after syringing to remove wax. Help!

yogibear62 profile image
48 Replies

Hello, I am new here, I have never had problems with my ears in my life (62), and due to a build of of wax in my left ear, had it syringed by the nurse at my GP. Since then I have had a constant high pitch ringing in the ear. Been back to GP who says no damage to ear drum, and it seems to me I am stuck with it. Does anyone have a similar experience, Can the ringing go away?

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yogibear62 profile image
yogibear62
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48 Replies

Hi yogibear,

Hopefully the ringing will go away in time. Did you apply olive oil eardrops 3x a day for 7 to 10 days to your ears before having them syringed/irrigated at your GP surgery? Eardrops should be used in the manner I've described before having the procedure to soften the wax. Try playing a radio or music from a cd player at low by your bedside at night. This will help you not to focus on the ringing as much.

All the best

Michael

yogibear62 profile image
yogibear62 in reply to

Hi Michael, thank you kindly for your reply. Yes, I did apply the olive oil, though probably not as much as you described. It sounds like that you may have some experience of my situation? best wishes,

Kevin

in reply to yogibear62

HI Kevin,

I have had tinnitus 21 years and have picked up some experience along the way. When earwax is removed by irrigation as in your case olive oil should be administered to the ears in the manner I've stated otherwise problems as you've experienced can sometimes result. The same applies when microsuction procedure is used at a hospital ENT department. A person should apply eardrops 3x a day for up to 10days before the procedure.

Quite a few people that I've corresponded with at other tinnitus forums, have informed me they've developed tinnitus, after having ear irrigation or microsuction. Either they haven't applied eardrops in the manner I've described or haven't used it for long enough so the wax is fully softened. I have had both procedures and used olive oil for the duration I've mentioned and haven't had any problems.

some private clinics advertise, they can remove earwax safely using microsuction without the need for the patient to use eardrops/olive oil 3x a day for 7 to 10 days prior. This is incorrect as tinnitus can sometimes result. I was told this by my ENT consultant when she removed my earwax using microsuction - the same applies when having ear irrigation at the GP surgery.

MIchael

yogibear62 profile image
yogibear62 in reply to

Thank you kindly for your reply Michael, it has been 6 weeks since the procedure, I need to be patient, and hopefully the symptoms may resolve themselves in time. Best wishes,

Kevin

Hi Kevin,

If you listen to music through headphones then I advise you not to do so until the tinnitus has gone - try not to be tempted to listen even at low volume.

Michael

yogibear62 profile image
yogibear62

Hi Michael, thanks for that bit of 'sound' advice.

best wishes,

Kevin

berry76 profile image
berry76

Just wanted to say that I believe tinnitus is caused by damage to the inner ear and subsequent nerve messages to the brain - so I do not think syringing or micro-suctioning (much better!) the ear canal can actually cause tinnitus. What do others know/feel?

Lester12 profile image
Lester12 in reply to berry76

I was injured by a doctor by ear syringing, using too much pressure. He did not prep the ear for softening. I had a dizzy spell after the procedure. I called the American Tinnitus Association and was told that ear syringing can cause tinnitus especially when one has some hearing loss and more prone to developing tinnitus. I had no ear problems prior to the procedure. I have had this now over one year. It is not resolving. I will probably try Tinnitus Retraining Therapy. It is has severely affected my quality of life.

Snazzyjazzy profile image
Snazzyjazzy in reply to berry76

My husband never ever had a problem with tinnitus until recently after syringing his ears out..now it's nonstop. After reading many posts people have said the exact thing happened to them. The main reason is because you are suppose to loosen the ear wax with olive oil 10 days prior to doing this, as I've just learned. I

yogibear62 profile image
yogibear62 in reply to Snazzyjazzy

Join the club. Tell me about it. I am stuck with tinnitus 24/7 since March this year, and there is no cure. And I did use the olive oil.

NicBTA profile image
NicBTAPartner

Hi yogibear62. When your ears have been blocked by wax, the change to having "normal" hearing again can affect the auditory system. It will settle down. Our page about ear wax removal and tinnitus is the most viewed on our website - you might also find it helpful

tinnitus.org.uk/ear-wax

yogibear62 profile image
yogibear62 in reply to NicBTA

Hello NicBTA, thank you for your response, I will keep my fingers crossed and hope for the best.

regards,

Kevin

barnyrubble profile image
barnyrubble in reply to NicBTA

Hi NicBTA, when you say it will settle down, do you have any experience of the kind of time frame this could take? As this has been with me for 9 months, I do not feel particularly hopeful of it settling down. Many thanks for your support.

Kevin

p.s ENT report says no damage to ear drum, and pure tone audiogram shows nothing significant. They are offering an MRI, but as the Tinnnitus came immediately after the syringing, I dont think it would be useful, any thoughts?

jparkin profile image
jparkin in reply to barnyrubble

Hi, I also have tinnitus and am deaf immediately after ear syringing, i have had it for weeks now and it is awful, it does't seem to be improving, i have never had an ear problem in my life, let me know if it improves or you find any solutions!

edwinw profile image
edwinw

I have had tinnitus for 5 years. I do think ear syringing can make it worse due to the high water pressure delivered directly into the ears to remove the wax so now I am a little in fear of this procedure even if I use ear drops. I had my ears syringed in February this year and the tinnitus has got worse again. Its like I am starting all over again after getting used to it after 5 years. I just hope it settles down again in time. Sometimes I wish I had not had them syringed now but then I would be deaf with the ear wax so cannot seem to win in this situation!!

yogibear62 profile image
yogibear62

Hi Michael, just an update, I have finally been given a date for an ENT appointment at hospital, but from what I have read, I don't hold out hope for a solution for my T. One curious thing I have noticed is that when I push my lower jaw forward the volume and pitch of the ringing increases, then relaxing it forwards again, it resumes its former level, any thoughts on this?

Lester12 profile image
Lester12 in reply to yogibear62

I was told at the world renowned Cleveland Clinic that 80% of tinnitus sufferers can modulate the tinnitus by neck or jaw movements, tightening of the throat, etc. For some people, physical therapy of the neck by someone trained for neck therapy may be helpful.

in reply to Lester12

Whenever I gulp down my tinnitus Increases being LOUD and its getting more frustrating

Keoni profile image
Keoni

Hi, Yogibear,

This is exactly how it started with me. I was worried that the syringing might have caused some damage but no, not according to my doctor. For me it's a hissing sound which, this year, has become louder. I've been through the ENT/MRI scan route but am no further forward. On the positive side, it's not stopping me from doing anything that I did before it started. I hope for you that it fades. Be positive and try to find ways to distract yourself from it.

Respectfully submitted,

Keoni

yogibear62 profile image
yogibear62 in reply to Keoni

Thanks for your kind words Keoni

Kevin

yogibear62 profile image
yogibear62

I have never had problems with my ears before the syringing, the hissing sound started as soon as my ears were syringed. Also wasted my time with ENT/MRI. The syringing was the cause of my symptoms. I How long have you lived with it?

best wishes,

Kevin

jparkin profile image
jparkin

Hi, I just wondered if your tinnitus resolved? I had my ear syringed about 5 weeks ago as it was blocked, she was unable to unblock it and i had to go back a week later for a second session, I found it really uncomfortable but she said it had been unblocked, I have been back about 4 times now, I was diagnosed with an infection and put on antibiotics, but ever since they were syringed i have been deaf in my ear and have got loud ringing, it doesn't seem to be improving and I am worried as it is really affecting my life, It seems to be quite a common thing and i wondering if it just takes time or if this is permanent, thanks Jane

yogibear62 profile image
yogibear62

Sorry to hear of your situation Jane, I seem to be stuck with it.

yes, it really affects our lives, best wishes,

Kevin

Peter266 profile image
Peter266

Tinitis caused by one visit to doctor getting ear syringed. 24 hrs a day for 4 years, but doc refuses to admit it and refuses to write my complaints on my medical record. They also never warned of the possible harm and still dont even after 4 years of telling them they caused my un bearable tinitis. never had before ear was syringed.

yogibear62 profile image
yogibear62

As a result of my experience, my GP practice gets everyone to sign a declaration prior to having ears syringed, indicating the risks, at least my experience means no one else will suffer this dibilatating condition unnececcarily.

yogibear62 profile image
yogibear62

Hi fellow sufferers, I have just had the results back fro my GP of the MRI scan on my ear which had immediately developed tinnitus after ear syringing to remove excess wax by practice a year ago. (no previous T) have been told: 'no structural damage to ear' was told that cutting the auditory nerve would stop the tinnitus , but leave me deaf in that ear. Where to from here? Feeling depressed and

distressed.

Jassssss profile image
Jassssss

I had my ear syringed 2 weeks ago, no olive oil was applied during the procedure, I immediately have tinnitus afterwards nonstop until now. I visited the GP and took an ENT Endoscopic Examination, GP said the ear drum was not damaged.

And I found out an article saying that ear syringing is not effective and can permanent ly harm the ear drum and oval window.

google.com.hk/amp/s/www.tel...

yogibear62 profile image
yogibear62 in reply to Jassssss

Bad luck. Same as me. Now Tinnitus over a year. Keep in touch, let me know how you get on, Kevin

Kurgle profile image
Kurgle

Yes, I've had the same experience. I'm going though it again. I don't know what to do. If a cure is found, I hope it doesn't involve drugs.

Lester12 profile image
Lester12

I had my ears syringed two years ago and now have tinnitus in both ears. This has changed my life. I had no hearing issues prior to this. Nothing was picked up on the MRI. I wanted to sue the doctor but I found out just lately that he skewed the medical records like everything went fine. This is not a safe procedure. I would use an over-the-counter softener first. Stay conservative. At the most, see a specialist for earwax removal.

Copi8 profile image
Copi8

I went to the doctors about 7 days ago with the fear of tinitus as I had a slight ringing in my ear. He said that my ears were just covered in wax and to apply olive oil drops 3 times a day for 7 days and then get them syringed. I had them syringed earlier today and if anything it has made things worse! Any ideas? Thanks

cofxj66 profile image
cofxj66

Last month I returned from holiday with a blocked ear due to build up of wax in my ear canal. Having had my ear successfully syringed on previous occasions I had no qualms about doing so again, however when I went this time I experienced significant pressure pain during the procedure. The next morning I awoke with a high pitched tone in my ear and I feared the worst. I returned to the same doctor the next day and he said there was some redness in the ear canal which could be an infection. He gave me some drops (which I believe were a steroid of some nature) to take for a week but after that period was up the ringing sound was still there (and had never gone away). Once again I returned to the doctor this time being a little more forthright about my feelings that I felt he may have caused serious injury. He inspected my ear again and this time prescribed me some antibiotic tablets saying that if it hadn't cleared up he would send me to the ENT specialist. He couldn't be sure if there was an infection causing the tinnitus but was confident that his ear syringing wasn't the cause. He explained there are a multitude of reasons for experiencing tinnitus that can last anything from a few days to years and beyond but that it was very unlikely to be as a result of his actions. To be honest I didn't really believe him and told him I just hoped he was right. The ringing continued for another 3 days (11 days in total) but to my relief it then subsided. Now, I am not at all saying it's not possible for ear syringing to damage an ear, I just thought I would note down my experience for anyone who is interested. If anyone wanted to know the name of the antibiotics I was given I could find that out, I still have the box at home. I hope this is of help to someone

yogibear62 profile image
yogibear62 in reply to cofxj66

I have had exactly the same experience as you, but the tinnitus has gone on for a year and a half, does anyone know if it is possible for an ear infection to go on this long, undetected by doctor? also what was the name of your antibiotic please? many thanks, Kevin

Markus111 profile image
Markus111 in reply to cofxj66

Ya I woke up one day from a nap. And bam. I had it in my ear. It's been here for the pas around 7 days. Then they cleaned out my ear as there was wax deep in. And the ringing got less intense. But is still there. You think it will get better? And will your medication help?

Rob74twins profile image
Rob74twins in reply to cofxj66

Can you please send me the name of the antibiotics you had

Wadders1 profile image
Wadders1 in reply to cofxj66

Have you still got name of antibiotics please ?

cofxj66 profile image
cofxj66

Hello Kevin

Unfortunately I'm not able to help with your first question but I certainly can with the second, I will note down the name of the antibiotic and post it on here tomorrow. I really hope that it will be of help to yourself or anyone else on here who is experiencing the effects of tinnitus

cofxj66 profile image
cofxj66

Hi Kevin

As promised, the course of antibiotics I was given was 21 tablets (3 per day) of Co-Amoxiclav (containing Penicillin).

If your tinnitus is as a result of a hidden infection in your ear then I hope that this can be of help in some way.

I wish you the best of luck

pencilskirtqueen profile image
pencilskirtqueen

Yes me too. Had buzzing in my left ear for 2 years since I had them syringed. I was told it would go away, but it just hasn't. Only really notice it at night though, when it is quieter. The funny thing was the week before I was told there was only wax in my right ear and when I got the right one syringed I was told there was a tiny bit in my left. I wish they had left it alone.

Bablu100 profile image
Bablu100

I got tinnitus by cleaning my wax with a match. I have had it for 9 months and cannot see it improving and probably here for life. It has got worse, With ears damaged you really need to precaution with sounds around you.

Rindybetty profile image
Rindybetty

I never had any ear problems whatsoever until I had my ears microsuction by an ENT surgeon privately. I did use drops previously. If only I could turn back the clock. It left me with pulsatile tinutus (24/7) with migraine as a symptom and hyperacusis with pain. My life has been ruined and now just a diary full of hospital appointments with no conclusive diagnosis from anyone and no treatment offered. Had all scans privately and still no diagnosis. Cerebral angiogram now booked but very scared of that. Also cervical discectomy with fusion cage Judy in case it’s my neck. Don’t really want to have my neck slit on a 50/50 hunch. Any treatment suggestions would be very much appreciated.

Rindybetty profile image
Rindybetty

It’s been a year and a half too. I’m

Going back to ent surgeon who did painful micro suction to ask questions about his machine.

yogibear62 profile image
yogibear62

good luck!

MBlue profile image
MBlue

I’ve had tinnitus for years now. I am a frequent concert goer and skipped earplugs my younger years. I’ve had my ears professionally cleaned (not irrigating but more like a tweezer removal via microscope). I dropped something last week and the impact really irritated my tinnitus. I’ve been able to ignore it or mask it for years but it had been so bad since I dropped something. I ordered an irrigation system on Amazon thinking it would help but reading this thead, I’m worried I will make my T worse. I have not recieved it yet but now afraid to use it.

yogibear62 profile image
yogibear62 in reply to MBlue

don't do it!

Kris098 profile image
Kris098

I have the same problem, I now have a clicking sensation in my ears as though ear wax is still in my ears.

DMan100 profile image
DMan100

Hello,

I'm sorry for your experience. I have had tinnitus for the last 5 years. It was from drug use, someone told me it was acid but it wasn't!

It bothered me terribly for the first year, and now though it varies in intensity it doesn't bother me as much any more.

I attribute the improvement to meditation.

I read this article and have been on both sides of it. It doesn't bother me or affect my quality of life anymore.

healthyhearing.com/report/5...

Wish you the best sir. There is hope, the sound doesn't go away, but you can live without anxiety

yogibear62 profile image
yogibear62

thank you.

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