Earwax, medically known as cerumen, is a natural, waxy substance produced by glands in the ear canal to protect the ear from dust, debris, and microbes. While it typically moves out of the ear naturally, sometimes it can accumulate and harden, leading to a blockage called cerumen impaction. This impaction can cause feelings of dizziness and even true vertigo, a spinning sensation. The ear plays a dual role in both hearing and balance, meaning a physical blockage can be the underlying cause of balance issues.
How Earwax Impaction Triggers Vertigo
The inner ear houses the vestibular system, which is the collection of fluid-filled canals and nerves responsible for sensing head position and maintaining balance. When a large plug of earwax becomes impacted, it can press directly against the tympanic membrane, or eardrum. The eardrum separates the outer ear canal from the middle ear cavity, which is located close to the inner ear’s balance organs.
Pressure from the cerumen plug against the eardrum transmits mechanical signals to the structures of the middle and inner ear. This physical pressure can disrupt the normal air pressure balance necessary for the vestibular system’s proper function. The brain may then receive conflicting signals about the body’s position and movement. This sensory mismatch results in the sensation of unsteadiness or vertigo. Removal of the impaction often immediately resolves this type of vertigo.
Symptoms of Earwax-Related Dizziness
The symptoms associated with cerumen impaction can range from mild unsteadiness to full rotational vertigo. Vertigo specifically presents as the distinct feeling that the environment is spinning or moving when it is stationary. This differs from general dizziness, which is often described as light-headedness or a feeling of being faint.
A feeling of fullness or blockage in the affected ear is a common sign that earwax is the cause. This sensation is often accompanied by diminished hearing, as sound waves cannot effectively travel past the obstruction to reach the eardrum. Ringing or buzzing in the ear, known as tinnitus, may also be present due to the pressure changes on the eardrum. These balance and auditory symptoms are typically unilateral, meaning they occur on the side of the impacted ear.
Safe Ways to Address Excess Earwax
The safest first step for managing excess earwax is to use softening agents to help the ear naturally expel the plug. Over-the-counter drops containing mineral oil, baby oil, or hydrogen peroxide can be applied while lying on the side with the affected ear facing upward. The liquid should be allowed to sit for several minutes to penetrate and break down the wax before tilting the head to drain.
Never use cotton swabs or similar objects inside the ear canal. These items typically push the wax deeper, compacting it further against the eardrum and worsening the impaction and symptoms. Pushing wax deeper can also lead to injury or infection. If softening drops are unsuccessful after several days, professional removal is the next course of action.
Professional Removal Methods
Healthcare providers can use methods like electronic ear irrigation, which gently flushes the ear canal with warm water. Another technique is microsuction, where a small vacuum device is used to precisely suction the wax out of the canal. Manual extraction using specialized instruments is also performed by trained professionals.
When to See a Doctor for Dizziness
While earwax is a common cause of dizziness, it is important to recognize when symptoms suggest a more serious underlying issue. You should seek medical care if your dizziness or vertigo is sudden, severe, or persistent, especially if it does not improve after attempting safe at-home wax softening.
Red Flag Symptoms
Certain accompanying symptoms are red flags that warrant immediate medical attention, as they point toward potential neurological or inner ear conditions. These include:
- A sudden, severe headache.
- Double vision, difficulty speaking, or loss of feeling or movement in the arms or legs.
- High fever, a foul odor, or discharge coming from the ear, which are signs of a possible infection.
Dizziness paired with sudden hearing loss or severe, ongoing vomiting should also be assessed quickly by a healthcare provider. Conditions such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), inner ear infections, or Meniere’s disease can mimic the spinning sensation and must be accurately diagnosed. Consulting a doctor helps confirm if the earwax impaction is the sole cause or if a more complex vestibular disorder is present.