Can Sleeping on Wrong Side Make Ear Wax + Tinnitus Worse?

I have a build up or earwax in my left ear that (I think) is making my tinnitus much worse.

I have been using olive oil drops to soften the wax. Although, I have noticed that when I lie down to sleep at night, when I am lying down on my right ear (the opposite ear to the ear wax build up), the tinnitus in my left ear is much worse a few hours later.

Then, when I roll over and sleep on my left ear, a few hours later the tinnitus is improved (albeit not gone, just lowered to a more acceptable level).

After I get up, and throughout the day the T seems to worsen again slightly.

I can't tell if this is because lying on the ear that has the wax is letting it move away from my eardrum, and thus not causing the tinnitus as much? Or it could just be my perception.

Do any of you have any experience of this?

 

The extra presure from sleeping on your ear can increase the perception of the sound for some people.
Keep up with the drops and I would get your ears checked if need cleaning out ....lots of love glynis

 

Thank you for your reply, Glynis. I'll persevere and check back in a few weeks

 

My tinnitus is loudest when I'm lying flat on my back, and sleeping on my side (either one) significantly reduces the volume. No clue as to why - it's been like that from the beginning. I do have TMJ issues, so position may shift things around and take pressure off the nerves.

 

That's interesting, Kste. Does the act of lying on your side immediately reduce the volume, or does it take a matter of minutes/hours? I don't think I have TMJ issues, though my jaw does sometimes pop every now and then. I've never really looked into it tbh.
Thanks

 

It might or might not be TMD. But since your jaw pops from time to time, it most likely is, although it might be minor right now. I suggest you take care of your jaw from now on so that it doesn't become worse. I too have my jaw make the popping sound at times when I'm eating, and I'm currently practising chewing in the proper manner, which is moving my jaw up and down, and not going around in a circular motion. That's just me, it might be different for you.

 

Does the act of lying on your side immediately reduce the volume, or does it take a matter of minutes/hours?

It usually takes several minutes. Some nights the tinnitus is quieter on my left side, sometimes on my right. I suspect my TMJ issues and inflammation due to years of grinding my teeth have a lot to do with this. Occasionally if I move/pop my jaws, the tinnitus will get quieter, and one time I heard a completely new sound for several seconds. At least it never gets boring.