If you’ve been hearing a ringing, buzzing or whooshing sound in your ears — and no one else around you can hear it — you might be wondering whether it’s tinnitus or something as simple as ear wax.

At Everest Pharmacy, we see many patients experiencing changes in their hearing, and one of the most common concerns is: can ear wax cause tinnitus? The answer is yes — in some cases, a build-up of wax can create symptoms that feel just like tinnitus, and the good news is, it can often be treated quickly and easily.

In this article, we’ll help you understand the difference between chronic tinnitus and wax-related issues, and explain how a quick consultation or ear check in Manchester can give you the clarity (and relief) you’re looking for.

What Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears or head that doesn’t come from an external source. It’s often described as:

• –> Ringing

• –> Buzzing

• –> Whistling

• –> Humming

• –> Hissing

• –> Pulsing

Tinnitus can be constant or come and go. It may affect one or both ears and can vary in volume. For some, it’s a mild background annoyance; for others, it can interfere with sleep, concentration, and overall wellbeing.

What Causes Tinnitus?

There are many potential causes of tinnitus, including:

• –> Exposure to loud noise (concerts, headphones, machinery)

• –> Age-related hearing loss

• –> Ear infections or damage

• –> Medical conditions (e.g., high blood pressure, diabetes, Meniere’s disease)

• –> Medication side effects

• –> Stress or anxiety

• –> Ear wax build-up

This last one is important — because if the root cause is simply excess wax, removing it may significantly reduce or eliminate the tinnitus-like symptoms.

So, Can Ear Wax Cause Tinnitus?

Yes, ear wax build-up can cause tinnitus. When wax becomes impacted, it can block the ear canal and put pressure on the eardrum, leading to:

• –> Muffled or distorted hearing

• –> A feeling of fullness or “blocked” ears

• –> Ringing or buzzing sounds

• –> Occasional popping or crackling

• –> Discomfort or irritation in the ear

These symptoms can mimic or trigger tinnitus — especially if one ear is more affected than the other.

How to Tell If It’s Tinnitus or Just Ear Wax

Here are a few pointers to help you distinguish between the two:

The only way to know for sure is to have your ears checked by a professional. At Everest Pharmacy, we offer ear health consultations and ear wax removal services (including microsuction) to help you get to the root of the issue quickly.

Safe and Effective Ear Cleaning at Everest Pharmacy

At Everest Pharmacy, we provide a fast and professional ear wax removal service using microsuction, considered the gold standard for this procedure. This safe and effective technique gently suctions away ear wax without the use of water or syringing, ensuring precise removal with minimal discomfort. Microsuction offers several benefits, including instant relief from pressure and muffled hearing, improved sound clarity, and a reduction or resolution of wax-related tinnitus, typically with no recovery time or need for prior ear drops. Our service is conducted in a private and calm environment, and for those feeling anxious, a friend or family member is welcome to provide reassurance.

Not Sure What’s Causing Your Symptoms?

You don’t have to figure it out alone. Our trained pharmacy team can carry out an ear health consultation, assess your symptoms, and advise on the next best step — whether that’s ear cleaning, a GP referral, or further testing.

When to Seek Help

Book a consultation if:

• –> You’ve had sudden onset ringing or buzzing

• –> Your hearing feels muffled in one or both ears

• –> Your ears feel blocked after using headphones, cotton buds or after a cold

• –> You’re unsure whether it’s wax or something more serious

Even if it turns out not to be wax, ruling this out is a useful first step in getting the right help.

Book Your Ear Check Today

So, can ear wax cause tinnitus? Absolutely — and it’s more common than many people realise. The good news is that if wax is the cause, relief could be just one appointment away.

Contact Everest Pharmacy today or book your ear health consultation in one of our branches across Manchester and Lancashire.

Quick, safe, and effective — we’re here to help you hear clearly again.

This blog was written on behalf of Everest Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.