A doctor has shared a simple and effective solution for tinnitus, a condition that affects around one in ten people and can be profoundly debilitating. The doctor explained that ear wax, while beneficial for lubricating and protecting the ear, can cause hearing loss and irritation when it builds up and hardens. This irritation can lead to tinnitus, characterized by ringing, buzzing , or hissing sounds that only the affected person can hear.

Olive Oil Drops: A Miraculous Solution

According to the doctor,daily olive oil ear drops can soften the wax, which should slowly dislodge and reduce tinnitus symptoms. The doctor prescribed this treatment to a patient named Jo, who experienced a miraculous recovery after her wax was removed. Her hearing retuurned to normal, and the ringing stopped. The doctor emphasized that cotton ear buds should never be used to remove ear wax, as they can push the wax further in, worsening the problem.

The Cost of Microsuction

While olive oil drops are available over the counter in most pharmacies, microsuction, a procedure where a healthcare professional removes the wax using a small suction device, is generally no longer offered at most GP surgeries due to NHS cost-cutting. Patients typically have to pay around £60 for this service. Despite the cost, for many, it can be transformative.

Other Causes of Tinnitus

The doctor also highlighted other causes of tinnitus, such as temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ), a condition where dysfunction in the jaw joint can trigger tinnitus. Treating TMJ dysfunction, which can involve jaw exercises, a custom-fitted mouth guard, anti-inflammatory medication, Botox injections, or steroid injections, can bring real relief for tinnitus. Certain medications, including anti-inflammatories, aspirin, and some antibiotics, can also cause tinnitus as a side effect. In some cases, this is reversible when the medication is stopped or changed, but patients should never alter or stop any prescribed medicine without speaking to their doctor first.

Hearing Aids and Tinnitus

For some patients, tinnitus can be linked to later-life hearing loss or hearing damage from long-term exposure to loud noises. in these cases , hearing aids can often help reduce tinnitus symptoms.