Ringing in Ears After Using Sodium Bicarbonate Ear Drops for Impacted Earwax & Microsuction

Hey all, I'm new here but have been lurking quite a bit. Please no daunting, scary things please. I am high in stress at the moment and struggling a lot, hoping I heal. I'm looking for some reassurance and support from you guys if it's ok.

My ringing in ears began a few weeks ago. I've had lottttts of earwax since the pandemic and never really got it looked at. I'm 27 years old, have had wax build up for almost ten years. I used to put olive oil and get them syringed at the GP clinic without issues. This time the GP have stopped doing this service. The olive oil was not softening the wax enough. So I went to the local pharmacy who gave me Sodium Bicarbonate 5% drops, this doesn't fizz in the UK due to the glycerol. So 3 days after stopping the olive oil, I used this product on 19th December, and 20th December put a bit more in the left ear as it really needed to soften, it was that hard. Because I had SO much wax in there, and because this product swells up the wax, it blocked my ear, thumped a bit, and began ringing. It rang the first night but it calmed down the next day, then the following day it rang soooo loud as the wax was swelling.

It scared me of course, but I needed the wax removed. I went back to the pharmacist who did microsuction. I have already read stories on here about that, but I am trying to steer away from doom and gloom right now. The procedure did scare me as a highly anxious person, but it went fine. No pain, even though it was noisy. Afterwards, and the following week I was experiencing some hyperacusis, aural fullness and the ringing remained. I was so sensitive to sounds and everything. This has actually seemed to calm down now, although gradually, but the ringing which started after the wax swelled from the ear drops. I also have some burning sensation and ear pain if I put my head on the pillow.

It's been 3 weeks since the microsuction, and 3 weeks, 2 days since using the ear drops that caused my tinnitus. I have gotten myself very sick with anxiety, hoping I heal from this. I have seen an ENT privately who said my ears are healthy, eardrum is fine, and I had two hearing tests all within the normal range. I also had a tympanometry test yesterday which came back normal. I also did a hyperacusis test and got told to click the button when the tones were uncomfortable. It came back showing I have hyperacusis, but I was in self-protective mode not wanting to listen to the loud tones in fear of triggering the ringing.

I asked the ENT last Wednesday about taking Prednisone. He said it's too late but also because I have no hearing loss, or nerve damage, and the tympanometry test came back fine.

I've spoken with many professionals, who believe this will gradually go in time. But I am stuck in an extreme dark anxious hole and can't seem to see light at the end of the tunnel.

Any support and advice would be great if you have any or if you overcame a similar situation. I am unable to eat or live because of this.

Many thanks for listening!

 

@Francine Phipps, hello, sorry to hear you are such in distress. I guess it's just a waiting game from now on, but have in mind that most cases do get better both objectively and subjectively (habituation). If it was caused by the earwax and there is no other possible reason, then you have lots of chances it will just resolve on its own.

The bad news is that ears are unpredictable and even specialists can't diagnose 100% accurately. One thing though, is that I've seen many people get worse from the methods of earwax removal. It's a highly controversial subject and most people would agree that microsuction is dangerous because of noise levels.

I myself just came back from a renowned neuro-otologist who finally agreed that for people with tinnitus, it's recommended that more gentle methods are used, like manual removal with a curette. While all other ENT's I had been, insisted that microsuction is safe and blah blah blah.

I personally (same age as you btw) never had a problem with microsuction (thankfully), but it's like 90-100 dB air pressure, right by your cochlea. If a loud 100 dB concert can give you tinnitus, then that can too.

I don't know much about ear drops, but I think it's very easy to make things worse, in case they all just get stuck in there with the wax.

You can try taking some vitamins, but don't expect much. Ginkgo Biloba, Magnesium, Zinc, Vitamin D, Vitamin B Complex, Vitamin C, Vitamins A and E and maybe a diet with more antioxidants (blueberries, oranges, pineapple etc) and goods fats/Omega 3 (fish, salmon, tuna etc).

Other than that, use sound enrichment to cover up the ringing and do whatever can take your mind off it!

 

If your ears are now clear of wax my advice is to give it time and the tinnitus should eventually go away. If the wax hasn't cleared or you are feeling pain in your ears, then talk to your GP and asked if it's possible to be referred to ENT. My advice is not to see a private ENT doctor as you will get the best help for your ears and tinnitus under the NHS in the UK.

Click on the link below and read my post: New to Tinnitus, What to Do? If you use any type of headphones including earbuds and headsets, my advice is not to use them even at low volume.

All the best,
Michael

New to Tinnitus, What to Do? | Tinnitus Talk Support Forum

 

Hey @Michael Leigh.

Thank you for writing to me, I really appreciate it. Yes, I was told they are all clean of wax, just so distressed as it began with the product, I had LOTS of wax in there though and the product swells up the wax, but it is still lingering and fluctuating and I am so ill over this, hoping to recover. I did see an ENT privately last Wednesday as the NHS put me on a very long waiting list. I also paid privately the other day to do another hearing test which was called tympanometry to make sure my middle ear is also functioning and to measure changes in vibration which all came back normal.

Currently work from home, a call centre type of job, I have a headset, cheap one from Amazon. It says it's noise cancelling but I put it on the lowest volume and also on my temples, not even my ears. I can try to unplug it but sometimes people on the line struggle to hear me or report they hear themselves echoing. I feel slight burning in my ears, mostly when anxious; they have checked it numerous times and says it's all fine and healthy. I am just so scared. It sometimes hurts when I speak but it's sometimes waning if I lie on the pillow etc. I am just so scared and sad as it's lingering due to using the product twice. I really hope to heal in time and will read the link you shared.

Thank you so much!

 

@DimLeb, thank you! I didn't have issues before. It just began with the product which swelled up the wax, and mushed it, which blocked my ears, and then came the ringing. So it was caused before the microsuction.

The noise did scare me at first. She reassured me it was 45 dB.

Trying to stay hopeful and calm. I did have some hyperacusis after that, which seems to slowly settle, but I just really hope in time this ringing goes and I heal. I was told that ears do take a long time to heal, and for the body to correct itself. I did various tests to check for hearing loss and damage, it all seems fine, I hope it's all fine. I hope we heal even if it's slowly.

I cannot eat at all. I will look at those supplements. What type of Magnesium? I went into Holland & Barrett but the tablets are too strong. She gave me some Vitamin D3. I haven't used it yet.

@DimLeb, what special hearing tests did you have? I just read some of your posts and want to see if I can have those tests too. Thanks!

 

Hi @AnonymousPie.

There is a very good reason the waiting list takes time on the NHS. I have explained this in the link. My advice again is to leave your ears alone and don't see anyone else privately.

Keep the volume through the headset low as possible. Use sound enrichment at night, more is explained in the link.

Michael

 

@AnonymousPie I had tried taking a Magnesium Citrate 150mg a day, Zinc Citrate 20mg a day, Gingko Biloba 120 mg, Vitamin D3 1000 UI a day (because I was low on Vit D and now I corrected) and some random B complex (all B vitamins). I have taken these on and off, day skip a day, etc. But I didn't notice any change, positive or negative to my T...

As for the tests, I've really been to a lot of different ENT's and neuro-otologists, who all told me different things but concluded that I had nothing bad and continue my life (like they told you lol). Mostly audiograms and tympanography tests, and some balance tests with the rotating chair and nystagmography goggles to look for labyrinth issues.

Indeed, one neurootologist found I had some balance stuff too, so he called it "inherited subclinical cochleopathy" with some audiogram dips to -20 dB (within normal though). The one today found my hearing perfect up to 18k Hz (extended audiogram) with only one dip to -20Hz which she thought it was caused by music (I'm a music producer and was playing gigs in the past) and no balance issues.

Also, I always have/had A LOT of earwax and sometimes HUGE chunks of it, that I was cleaning maybe every 2-3 years. It seems I need to clean my ears every 2 months or it gets full. But that never caused me any ringing or anything. So I'm kind of suspicious of how earwax can cause tinnitus... I was definitely losing a lot of high frequencies with it too.

In conclusion, I don't know how much you can trust them lol. If they don't find a big obvious cause, then it's possible you will never find the cause unfortunately...

But it's good to look for a "big otology center" to see if they can give you an extended high frequency audiogram 125 - 18k Hz, because normal ENT's only do up to 8k Hz which is the limit of human speech. The extended one just gives you a fuller idea of what your hearing is.

 

Hey @Michael Leigh, I've been struggling with my anxiety the last few days. So even though the ringing began with the drops, I had the microsuction two days after. But since then I've been dealing with hyperacusis. Some days it seems OK but I've just been so anxious lately and noticed yesterday I'm developing more saliva so swallowing more and my throat or ear was clicking when talking but that calmed.

Do you think I can heal from this? Scared I've had acoustic shock or something. Gonna see if there's any tests to check for nerve damage. The professionals think I'm OK but I'm sick with anxiety Michael. I don't want to live like this.

 

The NHS is failing and completely inefficient, this is the reason for the long waiting times, nothing else.

In the past 2 year I have witnessed just how bad the NHS system is (not its staff, the system). Here are some examples, not all, just some:

1) My mother-in-law was given the all clear after a brain scan, looking specifically for brain cancer, which surprise surprise they missed because they wanted the bed due to COVID-19. She died suddenly 2 months later.

2) I have waited 1.5 year for a rheumatologist only to be diagnosed with Lupus and refused immunosuppressive treatment because of my vaccination status. Offering only Hydroxychloroquine, well known to exacerbate tinnitus. She is following NHS guidelines and doesn’t think tinnitus is a big deal.

3) My 4-year-old daughter has waited 1 year and 3 months to see a speech therapist for a stutter - I have had to mitigate this by borrowing money for private care because the longer you leave it, the more likely it is to become an issue in the long term, just like most other chronic health conditions.

4) My partner is caught up in the system with untreated ADHD - over a year now.

5) I have not seen anyone about tinnitus - over 6 months now. Just talked to my GP over the phone.

Please do not go on about NHS waiting times being there to serve a purpose because it is entirely incorrect. I would rather live in a country where I had to pay a small amount per month to receive good health care, at the time where I actually bloody need it. This love for the NHS I do not understand, yes it’s free at the point of service, but is in no way free, we still pay for it. The waiting times and quality of care is atrocious. I can tell you that my daughter will have private health care from now on.

Just to be clear, I have complete respect for all NHS staff but the system they work under, which forces their hand, and dictates how a patient is managed, must change.

 

There is every likelihood that you will see improvement, be it reduction in volume, or through habituation. I am no longer scared of my noises, they just irritate me, which is a huge improvement.

You did the right thing seeing an ENT straight away. Try to relax into the idea that they found nothing wrong - it is a good thing, even though we wish for something obvious to be found.

Stories of tinnitus improving/going away can be found in the ‘Success Stories’. Try to surround yourself with positivity and distraction. Don’t lose hope.

 

You are entitled to your opinion as I am to mine. Therefore, please do not dictate to me what I can or cannot not say. Your experience of the NHS is completely different to mine, my family and friends. Yes, it has its problems like any large organisation, it can never perform at its best all of the time. You are a complainer like much of the UK media and press, that only look at the faults of the NHS but never talk about the successes.

Next week I will be attending my NHS hospital Audiology department, who will be upgrading my white noise generators free of charge. If I were to buy these privately they would cost over £3000. I have been a tinnitus out-patient for 25 years and had very good service under the NHS.

Goodbye and I wish you well.

Michael

 

Hi @AnonymousPie.

The ear is a delicate organ. As I've previously explained, you will get the best help and long term aftercare for your tinnitus under the NHS that no private practice can match in the UK, that I assure you. Therefore, please talk to your GP about your symptoms. You might be referred to ENT if your doctor thinks more investigation is needed.

Please read my post again: New to Tinnitus, What to Do? Click on the link below and read my article: Tinnitus, A Personal View. My advice is talk to your doctor and not to seek private treatment, however, the choice is yours.

Take care,
Michael

Tinnitus, A Personal View | Tinnitus Talk Support Forum

 

Hey @Michael Leigh, I hope you don't mind the messages. I have already spoken to the GP, he won't refer me sooner, it will take like 6 months. And I can't wait that long. I just feel so helpless. All this sensitivity to noise and aural fullness after the procedure. They reassured me it's 45 decibels but I just can't relax after reading negative stories with it here. I wish I could get ongoing care with the NHS, struggling to wait.

 

I think I am quite justified in my complaint given everything that my family, and many other families around the UK have gone through. Obviously I will base my opinion off of my own experience, which has been absolutely diabolical to say the least.

You are offering false information to numerous people on this site. The quality of care is just not there anymore & waiting times are not built into the system for our benefit, that’s pretty obvious. Long waiting times = bad. A simple Google search will highlight that quick intervention for a person with tinnitus is important. To say otherwise is nonsense.

Yes, your ‘free’ hearing aids, how much tax have you paid over the course of your life? Probably more than a private health care plan. They are not free. Time to wake up and smell the coffee.

 

Hi @AnonymousPie.

I don't mind your messages so please feel free to ask for my help any time.

I asked that you read my articles for a very good reason, then you would understand why an appointment at an NHS ENT has a waiting time of 6 months, which is the right thing to do. I know you have already been seen by a private ENT but they will do nothing more than give you another hearing test and charge you a a lot money and finish by saying to wait to be seen under the NHS.

Due to the fact that the ear is a very delicate organ, most ENT doctors advise someone new to tinnitus to leave their ears alone and do nothing and wait to see if the tinnitus improves. Providing the person isn't experiencing: dizziness, balance problems, deafness or acute pain in the ears, this is the usual advice. Starting any kind of treatment too soon could easily make the tinnitus worse.

I understand the stress that you are feeling so talk to your doctor about this, who may prescribe you medication to help reduce it. Please take your time and read my articles, as most of the questions and concerns you have about tinnitus, hyperacusis and treatment including self help are mentioned there.

Take care,
Michael

Hyperacusis, As I See It | Tinnitus Talk Support Forum

 

I come to this forum to help people not to engage in a slanging match. Therefore, unless you are requesting help with your tinnitus and wish you contact me, please do not do so again.

Thank you,
Michael

 

It not a slagging match, you issued a reply, and I responded to that reply.

I am here because I truly believe your advice does more harm than good. Seeing a specialist as soon as possible is of the upmost importance. To say otherwise is unhelpful at best.

I could go on and on, but I won’t.

 

@makeyourownluck, thank you so much for your supportive message to me. Trying so hard to control this extreme anxiety etc. Trying to see if I can get a hidden hearing loss test somehow, but as you say, am trying to remain positive on what I've been told so far. Ears take time to heal. Just reading the horror stories of the same procedure I had scares me, as do hyperacusis, sensations and reactive tinnitus. Hoping my body will heal and tries to correct itself in time. Thanks for your comments. Going to try my hardest to live my life again and be positive and not read negativity.

 

@AnonymousPie

I think the only test available is the ‘speech through noise assessment’, but like all other tests it is not perfect. It’s always good to remember that many people who have lost hearing do not have tinnitus. Tinnitus is just one of those things.

The good news (if you can call it that) is that you had your tinnitus before the microsuction, so we know it wasn’t the procedure that caused it. Maybe when the wax was expanding it pulled on the eardrum and done a little bit of damage? I don’t know, just a guess, but to my mind it would make sense. Lots of people recover from tinnitus caused by a perforated/damaged ear drum. Give it time.

If you have the means to see a specialist I would as it helps with anxiety. I’ve heard good reports about the tinnitus clinic. In the initial assessment I think you see an audiologist and ENT which is handy. Obviously you don’t have to fork out for the expensive treatment, but you can get an assessment and then tell your GP what was suggested so they can refer you to the appropriate department. However, before you go I would do some research on what tests they perform/check how loud they are. Many people advise against acoustic reflex tests etc.

Anyway, I hope tomorrow is a better day for you. Also, the only things that help me are organic loose leaf nettle tea and Hemp seed tea. No idea why, but it’s worth a go.

P.S. Sorry for hijacking your thread a wee bit. I have some pretty strong opinions. Maybe this wasn’t the appropriate place to voice them.

 

Hello there,

I'm sorry to hear that you're going through exactly the same thing that happened to me about one year ago. Not exactly the same but my tinnitus also started after I've used eardrops, along with burning sensation inside my ear that would extend all the way to the top of my head.

I went into a really anxious state and suffered badly for quite some time. Long story short, no ENT could help me. But the tinnitus gradually got better and easier to handle. I still have some ringing, but very manageable, I still mask it when I got to bed, but mostly because I feel that the white noise during the night actually makes it easier to handle during the next day too. My advice is mask it if you need, I really believe that the sooner yu start to get your attention out of the tinnitus the faster it "heals."

 

Completely agree. @Michael Leigh is once again wrong, but as you know, it's like speaking to a rock when you speak with him.

@Steph1710 has another good experience with the NHS...

 

Hi @ajc.

It’s sad that we live in a country where we have to become our own doctors. We shouldn’t have to fight the system for quality of life. I agree, unless you’re literally at death’s door it’s very hard to be taken seriously. Any invisible illness is poorly managed because ‘you look fine’.

You get sent on a big merry go round of wasted time and money. Before being referred to Rheumatology I saw around 6 specialists. I had ultrasounds, MRIs and X-rays. Most insultingly after all investigations I was offered AD’s for my ‘health anxiety’. When all I actually needed was a Lupus Panel - a simple blood test!

The NHS is not underfunded as all media outlets would have us believe, just incredibly inefficient. It spends £1 billion every 72 hours! That is astronomical. So much of that money could be saved if a bit of critical thought was applied. Instead doctors are just covering their ass in fear of getting into trouble.

I dare say @Steph1710 didn’t get far with the complainants procedure either, our family is really struggling with this at the moment. The NHS employs the best lawyers in the country and there is no accountability for medical negligence.

Stories like this just break my heart:

NHS Lothian criticised over late diagnosis of deaf children

This is a subject extremely close to my heart. I could literally write a dissertation!

Sorry @AnonymousPie, more NHS chat. Hope you are doing ok.

 

You are wrong and I am right. I believe you don't live in the UK and therefore you know nothing about the NHS, other than what you read from people that don't know the correct way for tinnitus to be treated.

When there is no underlying medical problem causing the tinnitus, as in noise induced, most ENT doctors advise the best treatment is to leave the ears alone for 4, preferably 6 months. Within this time a lot of people habituate to the condition. However, if the tinnitus becomes difficult to cope with a patient is usually referred to Audiology. Here they will see either an audiologist or hearing therapist that specialises in tinnitus and hyperacusis management. Various treatments are available depending on what that particular NHS hospital has to offer. This can include: counselling, medication, sound therapy, hearing aids, white noise generators. TRT, CBT, Mindfulness. One or a combination of these treatments can be used.

It should be noted, ENT doctors treat underlying medical conditions that cause tinnitus, and there are many. However, they don't treat the condition because this is not their area of expertise. This is the reason a patient with noise induced tinnitus is referred to Audiology, for the treatments that I have mentioned.

Michael

 

Microsuction can cause acoustic trauma. This is known. No need to draw any further conclusions about nerve damage etc. I can almost assure you that you didn't get acoustic shock syndrome from microsuction.

Since your hearing was attenuated when the earwax was in there, what you describe as hyperacusis can also be that you now actually hear high frequencies again. This is natural and even happens to anyone wearing earplugs for long periods. Your hyperacusis is very likely to subside if you ask me.

I saw you mention they said the procedure was 45 dB? I recently took an MRI and ADAMANTLY asked the tech about exactly what to expect in terms of dB. He told me 80 dB. Returned for another one performed by the senior tech. He said it's 110 dB and that they often lie about the dB amount when people are anxious about it. Sadly, you cannot trust many people in healthcare. The liar told me he had horrible tinnitus from working as an MRI tech, which makes this even more scary...

I've yet to hear any logical explanation as to how earwax could cause tinnitus. It probably can't, except for very low frequency tinnitus (according to the literature). The only thing I can imagine is: most people have tinnitus that the brain normally doesn't pay attention to. If earwax, a soundproof room or an earplug makes a person pay attention to a signal that was already there, it amplifies it and the brain cannot forget it. Earwax causing damage to the inner ear makes no sense.

 

The NHS Litigation Authority encourages providers to follow NICE clinical guidelines; Clinical guidelines enable those caring for patients to reassure them that they are following evidence based practice.

NICE guidelines are as follows:

Refer people to be seen within 2 weeks for assessment and management if they have tinnitus associated with either of the following:

1. Distress affecting mental wellbeing (for example, distress that prevents them carrying out their usual daily activities) even after receiving tinnitus support at first point of contact with a healthcare professional (see recommendation 1.1.1). Refer in line with local pathways.

The OP falls into this category and should be referred within 2 weeks. Nobody suffering crippling anxiety should be asked to wait 6 months with absolutely no input from a medical professional. It’s barbaric.

@AnonymousPie, you should discuss these guidelines with your doctor. I know I will. Here’s the link:

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng155/chapter/Recommendations#referring-people-with-tinnitus

 

I have politely asked you not to contact me and yet you persist. Please be advised you are now placed on ignore.

Goodbye.

Michael

 

@HeavyMantra, thanks for your input. I hope time will heal, but time will tell.

Thing is, I did have a LOT of earwax in there, it became normal to me. No ringing though. The ringing began only when I used the product - Sodium Bicarbonate eardrops. This completely blocked my ears, as it swelled and expanded the earwax, that's what triggered this tinnitus off. I had microsuction, the noise did scare me, but the ringing started before that. And the hyperacusis, that started after the microsuction, does seem to settle, although sometimes gets triggered when in the kitchen etc. but slowly improving. The tinnitus remains which I don't understand why it is not going away after the earwax was removed. Like I said the product expanding the earwax caused it. I just hope it subsides but I am confused.

@makeyourownluck, thanks for all your care and support, it means so much to me. I will take a look at that link. I am just in the dark about all this right now hoping to get better. Don't worry about 'hijacking' my post haha, you are free to express your opinions, I totally understand! I hope we all heal from this, ears take time to settle, I just wish this shit ends honestly. I feel so alone.

 

Hi @jjflyman, I believe I too have suffered from acoustic trauma. I'm going on almost week 6 now. Feeling extremely helpless and vulnerable right now. Your posts and comments to folks have kept me going.

I had microsuction and I'm so scared. They told me it was 45 decibels but it felt louder and was very noisy in the ears. Also been told about the clarinetting effect which can reach almost 150 decibels when sucking wax or getting stuck on a piece. I remember jumping back at one point as it sounded so loud like vacuum block or a loud bleep. Then I let her continue and she took 5 to 10 minutes in each ear.

Since then I've suffered from tinnitus and hyperacusis. The hyperacusis was very bad at first and I had aural fullness that seems to settle but the sensitivity is still there however. I've been waking up and most the day my left ear feels muffled, and the pitches make me feel like I'm almost deaf but am not. I had hearing tests done all within normal range but only up to 8000 Hz.

I'm scared because I feel I'm doomed and that microsuction is the worst of it. Reading other comments here saying 3 years later they are still suffering extremely bad. I'm 27 and feel like I've lost my life and won't heal. I'm holding onto your messages for hope but scared the microsuction has severely ruined me. I'm honestly very fragile right now. If you read this could you please post me some support or hope. I'd appreciate it. My ENT wouldn't give Prednisone. Researching and hoping the cures arrive for us all soon.

Many thanks!

 

You’re in the very early stages when panic is at its worst. Things will probably remain that way for a few months. Its always the same with tinnitus. The next stage is getting used to the sounds. This seems impossible now but it nearly always happens. From then your neuroplasticity may kick in. As you don’t really care about the sounds your stress levels will lower and healing can take place.

Believe me I’ve been through it. Try to get sleep worked out. This is important in the early stages.

I’ve gone back over many posts on this forum. People usually disappear after a couple of years. I did and am only back because of vaccine damage.

I would say most people’s tinnitus has gone or they have habituated by 2 or 3 years.

 

@volsung37, thanks for responding to me. Yesterday I felt OK, positive, calm and hopeful. But today when I woke up, my left left ear felt clogged or muffled. Scared. It feels like high frequency crickets are in it and with a whistling noise. I honestly feel frightened. I can't function. Sometimes this noise gets so pitchy and comes in and out I feel somewhat deaf. Then it calms and it feels hearing in that ear isn't the same.

I'm scared of being vulnerable to SSHL. How do I know if I have inner ear damage? What tests can I have? I don't want to go deaf. I am scared I'm not going to get better. Only worsen.

Sorry for my anxiety BTW. I'm trying so hard. I feel so broken today. I spoke to an ENT in email trying to book a hearing test ASAP to detect if I've got SSHL. I feel fragile. I don't want to live like this. I think my inner ear is broken and I have a risk everyday. Sorry for this. Just in panic mode hoping I get better hugs all.