Embarrassing Illnesses

Complications of impacted earwax

The following complications may occur as a result of impacted earwax:

• infection, or
• if the earwax is in contact with the eardrum (tympanic membrane), it can sometimes cause discomfort and vertigo (the feeling that you are moving even though you are still).

Complications following ear irrigation

The following complications have been reported after ear irrigation:

• failure to remove earwax,
• otitis externa (inflammation of the external ear canal),
• otitis media (middle ear infection),
• perforation of eardrum,
• damage to the external auditory meatus (tube running from the outer ear to the middle ear),
• pain,
• vertigo, and
• worsening of pre-existing tinnitus (noises in your ear that come from an internal source).

Sometimes, light bleeding may occur, but it usually stops on its own. Nausea, vomiting and vertigo may occur as a result of variations in the temperature of the irrigating fluid.

Rare complications of ear irrigation

Rarely (in approximately one in every 1,000 ears that are irrigated) serious complications can occur. These complications are described below.

Severe infection

In rare cases, infection may progress to the base of the skull and cause cranial paralysis, meningitis and even death. The elderly, people with diabetes and those with a weak immune system are the most likely to be affected.

Chronic tinnitus

Chronic (long-term) tinnitus can occur following earwax removal or ear irrigation. However, this is rare.

Heart attack

Heart attack (cardiac arrest) has been associated with ear syringing, although it is a very rare complication. It is thought that it may be caused by the stimulation of the vagus nerve, which supplies the externa auditory meatus, the eardrum and the heart.