Waxsol, EarClear and Syringing to Remove Earwax Resulted in Distorted Tinnitus / Hyperacusis?

[LukeYoung]

Hey everyone,

It's been a long time since I've posted anything, as my tinnitus has generally been going quite well.

Recently, though, my left ear has felt very blocked. I started using earwax removal drops, but the next day, it felt even worse. I think the drops soaked in and possibly expanded the wax, leaving me with only about 10–20% hearing in that ear. I kept using the eardrops for a few days, but they didn't help.

Yesterday, I went to the nurse to have my ear syringed in hopes of clearing some wax, as I'm due back at work today. Unfortunately, it wasn't very successful, and I still felt blocked and mostly deaf. I decided to switch from Waxsol to carbamide peroxide (EarClear) to see if it would work better.

This morning, as I was getting ready for work, I touched the area just above my tragus and felt some movement in the wax. My ear felt slightly better—about 40% less blocked—and my hearing improved to around 40% as well. However, I've now developed a strange, fleeting sound, like a mix of wind and cicadas, that comes and goes. It seems it might even be reactive to sound, as when I cup my ears, I only hear my usual tinnitus.

Does anyone know what this could be? Could it just be my hearing adjusting after being blocked for so long, with some sounds starting to reach the ear as the wax loosens?

This situation has really ramped up my anxiety, and I feel sick with nervousness. I plan to leave work early today to rest and see if that helps. Being in a quieter environment might help me figure out if this is some kind of hyperacusis triggered by sounds at work (I'm in an office on the main street of our town) or if something else is going on.

In the meantime, I'll try to book an appointment with an ENT. Unfortunately, with this time of year, it might be difficult to see someone soon.

 

[ajc]

Syringing has caused tinnitus in many people and made it worse for others. Avoid it in future.

 

[Spliffurt]

I'd avoid the microsuction vacuum at all costs; it's what put me on this forum.

I've had somewhat similar issues, including hyperacusis, that resolved in some months.

 

[LukeYoung]

I'd avoid the microsuction vacuum at all costs; it's what put me on this forum.

I've had somewhat similar issues, including hyperacusis, that resolved in some months.

What sort of problems were you having?

 

[Spliffurt]

What sort of problems were you having?

A really bad sharpness or crisp with everything; everything sounded compressed and like sandpaper rubbing together, is the best way I can describe it. The worst was running water and traffic. It got a lot better over about half a year.

I was freaking out and had my ears plugged up for more than a month after the procedure. I wonder what role the plugs had to do with it and my recovery.

 

[LukeYoung]

A really bad sharpness or crisp with everything; everything sounded compressed and like sandpaper rubbing together, is the best way I can describe it. The worst was running water and traffic. It got a lot better over about half a year.

I was freaking out and had my ears plugged up for more than a month after the procedure. I wonder what role the plugs had to do with it and my recovery.

I'm starting to feel better. It could even be the fact my ear was completely deaf for 4-5 days and then when sound finally came through, my hearing was sensitive.

 

[Mark F.]

@LukeYoung, how severe would you say your tinnitus has been in the last few years? Did the volume of it go down since your concert trauma, several years ago?

 

[LukeYoung]

@LukeYoung, how severe would you say your tinnitus has been in the last few years? Did the volume of it go down since your concert trauma, several years ago?

My tinnitus has been barely noticeable for the last 2 years I'd say. It really dropped off around 3-4 years in.

 

[Mark F.]

My tinnitus has been barely noticeable for the last 2 years I'd say. It really dropped off around 3-4 years in.

@LukeYoung, that is great news! Gives hope to those like us, who damaged their ears with noise.

I'm glad you are feeling better after the microsuction. Protect those ears, and have a happy new year!

 

[LukeYoung]

I'm back a year later with a similar issue. This time, my ear wasn't completely blocked or deaf for 4–5 days. I've had wax removal, which caused similar sensitivity, but it doesn't feel as loud or intrusive as it did last time. However, the sound reactivity is similar—it's like hearing cicadas outside the window.

Last time, the loudness and reactivity were a 10/10. This time, it's more like a 3/10. Still, it's quite loud when I go out near a road.