Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 3/4/2009

Question
I have bilateral tinnitus in both ears for a few years and have always had my ears cleaned by a doctor, either by pressurized water or suction. What do i do now when i need this service? I understand pressurized water and suction can increase my intensity and cause more problems. I am scared to go to a doctor for this, and I never cleaned my ears. Any ideas, or should i leave things alone? I also have experienced balance problems in the mornings, but usually clear up in the afternoon. Any ideas.?

Answer
Hi Art,
You need to have your ears checked and cleaned by an ENT.  They have the proper equipment, e.g., microscope, to properly remove any wax without damaging the ear.  Pressurized water can damage the eardrum and, if that happens, there can be damage to the middle ear as well.

You can use some of the OTC drops developed for softening ear wax.  These are known as cerumenolytics and usually have some type of mineral oil in them.  This will soften the wax and facilitate its removal by a professional.

A little wax, however, is normal and nothing to be concerned about.  So, unless you have a history of obstructive wax buildup, you really don't need to do anything.

Now, for your balance problems in the morning - this can be due to any number of reasons and, without knowing more of your history, I can only give some examples here.  If they are actual balance and not dizziness, you may be experiencing muscle or joint weakness.  If you have dizziness, that could be due to low blood pressure, low blood sugar.  Dizziness in the morning could also be due to displacement of specific particles in the inner ear that help with balance; when these are not in their proper place, they cause dizziness.

You may want to mention this to your doctor the next time and have him decide if it needs further investigation.

Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology