Can ear stones cause dizziness?

Aug 24, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Xu Gang

Introduction

If the position of an ear stone (otoconia) remains relatively stable without displacement, dizziness typically does not occur. However, if the ear stone shifts—such as due to detachment or head trauma—causing it to enter the inner ear or semicircular canals and thereby interfere with vestibular nerve function, dizziness may result.

Whether ear stones (cerumen impaction or otoliths) cause dizziness depends on whether the stone is fixed in position.

Ear stones may result from excessive cerumen (earwax) production and accumulation within the ear canal. If the stone remains relatively stable and does not shift position, it typically does not cause dizziness. However, if the stone becomes dislodged—for example, due to trauma or sudden head movement—and migrates into the inner ear or semicircular canals, it may repeatedly rub against or impact inner ear structures. Such mechanical irritation can impair vestibular nerve function, potentially leading to dizziness. Additional symptoms may include ear pain, tinnitus, or hearing loss.

If ear stones have already caused dizziness or other symptoms, patients should promptly visit an otorhinolaryngology (ENT) department for otoscopic examination. Based on individual circumstances, the physician may perform ear stone removal under otoscopic guidance to prevent further complications.

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Will tinnitus disappear after removal of ear stones?

Ear complaints refer to cerumen. After removal, tinnitus may disappear or may persist. When cerumen presses against or irritates the eardrum and causes tinnitus without perforation of the eardrum, tinnitus usually resolves after cerumen removal. Redness or stinging pain inside the ear typically takes about one week to recover. Tinnitus caused by eardrum injury, external ear trauma, excessive mental stress, or other reasons unrelated to cerumen will not resolve after cerumen removal if the underlying condition remains untreated.

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What causes tinnitus?

Tinnitus is most likely caused by otogenic disorders, such as otitis media or otolithiasis (ear stones). Additionally, dizziness may co-occur. For instance, Ménière’s syndrome—though not strictly otogenic—along with vascular diseases that compromise blood supply to the inner ear, can also trigger tinnitus. Treatment must be individualized according to the underlying cause. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), therapy often focuses on nourishing the liver and kidneys to alleviate tinnitus.

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What's the reason for feeling dizzy as if spinning when lying down?

Dizziness and vertigo experienced while lying down may be caused by conditions such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), cervical spondylosis, and hypertension. When otoliths (ear stones) become dislodged, they can stimulate the sensory cells in the semicircular canals, leading to a sensation of dizziness. Patients with cervical spondylosis may suffer from insufficient blood supply to the brain, resulting in symptoms like dizziness and vertigo. Hypertensive patients may also experience vertigo and a spinning sensation when lying down due to inadequate cerebral perfusion.