Does Tinnitus Go Away on Its Own?

Tinnitus can manifest in different ways, depending on the individual circumstance and the underlying cause. Some tinnitus symptoms may come and go, while others worsen over time, especially when associated with age-related hearing loss. In this article, we’ll address common questions about this condition and potential tinnitus treatment.

Common Tinnitus Symptoms

The most common sign associated with tinnitus is a ringing sound or sensation in the ears. However, tinnitus can present itself in various other ways. Here are some common symptoms:

• Some people experience a buzzing sound in their ears.

• A hissing sound is another common symptom of tinnitus.

• Sufferers may also hear a roaring or rushing sound.

• Some individuals may hear clicking or popping sounds.

• In rare cases, people may hear music or other sounds.

If you’re experiencing any unusual sounds in your ears, it’s advisable to consult with tinnitus audiologists or a healthcare professional for a proper hearing test, diagnosis, and management.

When Tinnitus May Resolve on Its Own

Tinnitus is a common experience among 740+ million people worldwide. While most cases are manageable, others can produce more annoying tinnitus sounds. More than a hundred thousand adult Canadians suffer from symptoms along with decreased hearing, ear pressure, vertigo, and dizziness.

Many cases of tinnitus do indeed resolve on their own. This applies to temporary tinnitus, triggered by factors like stress, loud noise exposure, or certain medications. As these factors subside, they may eventually relieve tinnitus symptoms as well. In fact, 90% of acute onset tinnitus goes away after six months, Forbes reported.

Common Causes of Tinnitus

There are two types of tinnitus: subjective tinnitus and objective tinnitus. As their names suggest, only the affected person can hear subjective tinnitus, while others (audiologists, doctors, or healthcare professionals) can hear objective tinnitus through a stethoscope. These types can be temporary or permanent depending on the underlying cause we will discuss below.

Noise-induced hearing loss

Exposure to loud noise over time can damage the inner ear, leading to tinnitus. This is a common cause of tinnitus, especially among people who work in noisy environments or enjoy loud noises or recreational activities.

Ear infection

Infections of the ear can cause inflammation and pressure, which can heighten the perception of the ringing or buzzing sounds in one or both ears. This is more common in children, but can also occur in adults. Common types of ear infections that can cause tinnitus include:

• Otitis media: Inflammation of the middle ear, often caused by bacteria or viruses.

• Otitis externa: Inflammation of the outer ear canal, commonly known as swimmer’s ear.

Age-related hearing loss

As we get older, our hearing naturally deteriorates, often due to changes in the inner ear. When the inner ear’s hair cells, which convert sound waves into electrical signals, are damaged, the brain may try to compensate by amplifying existing sounds. This can result in the perception of phantom sounds, or tinnitus.

High blood pressure

High blood pressure can increase the blood flow to the inner ear, potentially damaging the blood vessels. This can lead to hearing loss and the perception of ringing or buzzing sounds (tinnitus).

Head or ear injury

Traumatic brain injury can disrupt or damage the processing of auditory information. Similarly, a direct ear injury can damage the auditory nerves, which carry these signals to the brain. These injuries can lead to tinnitus sound perception without external noise.

Certain medications

Some medications, such as ototoxic and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can harm the inner ear and increase the risk of tinnitus as a side effect. They can damage the sensory cells responsible for hearing, especially at high doses.

Meniere’s disease

This condition, characterized by abnormal fluid buildup in the inner ear, can lead to symptoms including dizziness, hearing loss, and ringing in the ears. Tinnitus is often one of the earliest symptoms of Meniere’s disease and can persist even after other symptoms have subsided.

Stress and anxiety

Emotional stress and anxiety can contribute to tinnitus, especially if it is accompanied by muscle tension in the jaw or neck. When you’re under a lot of stress, your body releases hormones that can affect the blood flow to the inner ear. This can lead to changes in the auditory system and potentially cause tinnitus.

Earwax buildup

Excessive earwax can block and lead to an impacted ear canal. Consequently, it can put pressure on the eardrum and the delicate structures of the inner ear, contributing to tinnitus perception. If you’re experiencing tinnitus and suspect that earwax buildup may be the cause, visit our wax removal service for professional ear cleaning.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder

A misaligned or inflamed TMJ, the joint that connects your jawbone to your skull, can put pressure on the nearby structures, including the auditory nerve. This pressure can cause tinnitus, especially if it is accompanied by jaw pain or clicking.

Diabetes

That’s right, uncontrolled blood sugar levels can damage nerves throughout the body, including those in the ear, contributing to tinnitus. Diabetes can impair blood flow throughout the body, including the inner ear. This can affect the delicate structures involved in hearing.

When Tinnitus May Not Resolve on Its Own

For some individuals, tinnitus can become a persistent or even permanent condition. This is often due to underlying auditory system malfunctions. These can include damage to the inner ear, the auditory nerve, or other parts of the hearing system.

Pulsatile tinnitus characterized by a rhythmic pulsing sound can be particularly more challenging due to its constant and intrusive nature. The sounds are also more difficult to ignore or mask. This may be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition, so it’s wiser to seek professional help than wait for it to resolve on its own.

Tinnitus Management

Permanent tinnitus, unfortunately, does not have a cure. However, there are ways to cope and manage tinnitus symptoms.

Bloor Hearing Clinic helps tinnitus sufferers by providing comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans. Our experienced audiologists can identify the underlying cause of your tinnitus. This is essential for determining the most effective treatment approach.

Treatment options may include hearing aids, tinnitus masking devices, sound therapy, tinnitus retraining therapy, or medication. Through support and counseling, professional care can help you manage the emotional and psychological impact of tinnitus.

If your healthcare provider finds mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety as the major underlying cause of tinnitus, they may recommend an intervention from a mental health expert.

Duration of Tinnitus Symptoms

There is no exact way to tell when tinnitus goes away, just as there’s no single cure for this “condition.” However, you can generally classify tinnitus according to the underlying cause and severity.

Temporary tinnitus which arises from frequent exposure to loud noise can last from a few minutes to several days. Acute tinnitus which usually stems from ear infections can be quite troublesome from a few days to weeks.

If tinnitus symptoms or perception persists for three months or longer, it is typically categorized as chronic tinnitus, which requires management strategies.

Signs That Tinnitus Is Resolving

As tinnitus treatment progresses, there will be signs that the condition is improving. These may include:

• Decreasing duration: The episodes of tinnitus become shorter or less frequent.

• Lower volume: The sound of the tinnitus becomes less intense.

• Better sleep and mood: Tinnitus no longer interferes with sleep or mood.

• Better pressure sensation: The feeling of pressure in the ears improves.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait Indefinitely

Even if tinnitus sometimes resolves on its own, waiting indefinitely can lead to significant complications. Tinnitus can have a profound impact on your quality of life, affecting your sleep, concentration, and overall well-being. It can also lead to emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and social isolation.

Getting your tinnitus treated promptly can prevent worsening the condition and lead to further complications.

When to See an Audiologist

If you’re experiencing tinnitus, consult with an audiologist if:

• Tinnitus lasts more than two weeks. Even if the symptoms seem mild, persistent tinnitus can be a sign of an underlying medical condition.

• Tinnitus significantly affects your daily life. If it interferes with your sleep, concentration, or ability to enjoy activities, it’s time to seek professional help.

• The tinnitus is getting louder over time. This could indicate that the underlying cause is worsening.

Additional reasons to see an audiologist include:

• Sudden onset. If you experience a sudden onset of tinnitus, it could be a sign of a serious medical condition.

• Accompanying symptoms. If tinnitus is accompanied by other symptoms, such as dizziness, hearing loss, or ear pain, it’s important to see a healthcare professional.

• Concerns about your mental health. Tinnitus can have a significant impact on your mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. If you’re struggling to cope with tinnitus, an audiologist can provide support and guidance.

Seeking professional help early on can improve your chances of managing tinnitus effectively.

Understanding the Prognosis

Many factors can influence the prognosis of whether your tinnitus will go away on its own or not. This includes identifying the underlying cause, the severity, and individual variations.

Knowing the underlying cause of your tinnitus can help provide a better understanding of your prognosis. For example, if your tinnitus is caused by temporary factors such as noise exposure or stress, it is more likely to resolve on its own.

On the other hand, if your tinnitus is caused by an underlying medical condition, the prognosis will depend on the severity and treatment of that condition. Damage to the inner ear structure or auditory nerve may be more difficult to resolve.

Only a qualified professional or audiologist can conduct a comprehensive evaluation or hearing test to better understand the status of your condition.

The Importance of Professional Evaluation

Avoid self-diagnosis. From what we’ve learned, tinnitus is a symptom of various causes rather than a condition in itself. A proper diagnosis done by a healthcare professional is crucial. From there, you can benefit from a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan. An audiologist can identify the underlying cause of your tinnitus and determine the most effective treatment approach.

Wrap Up

Like all chronic health conditions, tinnitus perception can start small. If you experience persistent tinnitus or feel the symptoms worsening after six months of self-observation and management, it’s a clear green signal to seek treatment.