My Experience with Manual Ear Wax Removal — A Temporary Tinnitus Spike

[Static Sophie 73]

I've had tinnitus for 2 decades - I'm in my late 40s now. It has changed my life and I still wait patiently for effective treatments to actually get rid of the noise.

Anyway, from time to time I have an audiologist gently and quietly manually remove ear wax. Four weeks ago I had this done and experienced a spike that lasted about 3.5 weeks. It was as though my brain was trying to recalibrate more sound coming in and this makes the tinnitus louder too. More sensitive. The ensuing anxiety does not help.

It has settled but if you find this happens to you too, please be somewhat encouraged by my post.

 

[Massi91]

Hello @Static Sophie 73,

Thank you so much for your post.

I removed my earwax manually one week ago, and now my tinnitus is spiking a lot. I would rate it around 9 out of 10. Normally, it stays around 3 to 4 out of 10, and it's usually quieter at night. But now, even after sleeping, it's at 10 out of 10. When I'm drowsy, I feel such a massive spike.

My ears were adjusting to the new sounds, since my ear canals had been completely blocked by cerumen. I feel so hopeless, and it seems like no one is there to help me. I've had tinnitus for 15 years, but this time it's really bad.

I hope this calms down soon.