Can earwax cause dizziness?

From the Guidelines

Yes, earwax can cause dizziness when it builds up and becomes impacted in the ear canal, leading to symptoms such as vertigo and balance problems. This condition, known as cerumen impaction, can create pressure on the eardrum or block sound transmission, and may also trap water in the ear, potentially causing infection that further contributes to dizziness 1.

Key Points to Consider

• Cerumen impaction can cause a range of symptoms, including decreased hearing, fullness, tinnitus, and distortion/changes to hearing aid function 1.
• The buildup of earwax can impair a clinician's ability to visualize the tympanic membrane and assess the status of the middle ear, making diagnosis of middle ear disease more challenging 1.
• To address cerumen impaction, over-the-counter ear drops like Debrox or Murine (containing carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide) can be used to soften the wax, followed by gentle irrigation with warm water using a bulb syringe 1.
• However, home removal methods should be avoided if you have a perforated eardrum, ear tubes, or ear infections, and medical attention should be sought if symptoms persist or are severe 1.

Important Considerations for Management

• Patients should be counseled not to insert any foreign objects into the ear canal, as these objects can cause injuries or worsen cerumen impaction by pushing cerumen deeper into the canal 1.
• Susceptible patients can use some measures at home to control accumulation of cerumen, including cerumenolytic drops and ear irrigations 1.
• If symptoms persist or are severe, a healthcare provider can safely remove the wax through irrigation, suction, or specialized tools, and dizziness from earwax is typically temporary and resolves once the blockage is cleared 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

When using this product avoid contact with the eyes Stop use and ask a doctor if: ... excessive earwax remains after use of this product The answer to whether earwax can cause dizziness is not directly addressed in the label, but dizziness is mentioned as a condition to ask a doctor before use.

• The label does mention excessive earwax as a condition to stop use and ask a doctor if it remains after use of the product.
• It does not explicitly state that earwax causes dizziness. 2

From the Research

Earwax and Dizziness

• Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a normal bodily secretion that can become a problem when it obstructs the ear canal 3.
• While earwax can cause symptoms such as deafness and pain, there is limited evidence to suggest a direct link between earwax and dizziness 3, 4.
• However, some studies suggest that earwax removal can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, although these symptoms are typically mild and temporary 3, 4.

Treatment of Earwax

• Various methods are available for earwax removal, including the use of softening agents, irrigation, and mechanical removal 3, 4.
• The safety and effectiveness of these methods can vary, and some studies suggest that certain methods may be more effective than others in removing earwax and preventing recurrence 4, 5.
• Topical skin treatment of the ear canal has also been shown to be effective in preventing impacted earwax 5.

Dizziness and Inner Ear Balance Problems

• Dizziness can be caused by a variety of factors, including inner ear balance problems, infections, and certain medications 6, 7.
• Vestibular disorders, which affect the inner ear balance system, can cause dizziness and other symptoms such as vertigo and nausea 6, 7.
• Treatment for vestibular disorders may include exercises, physical therapy, and medication, although the effectiveness of these treatments can vary depending on the underlying cause of the disorder 6, 7.