How Long Does Tinnitus Last?

While there is no definitive answer to this question, how long tinnitus lasts depends on the cause and severity of this symptom. For example, noise-induced tinnitus could be temporary or occasional, whereas, if there is more severe damage over time to the hearing system, tinnitus could be more of a permanent symptom.

Is Tinnitus Permanent or Temporary?

If tinnitus is the result of a one-off exposure to loud noise like a concert, or an extension of an allergic reaction, tinnitus is typically temporary. It usually will subside within a few hours or a few days; or once the hearing system has recovered or the allergic reaction is addressed. This said, if you experience ongoing exposure to noise or have an underlying medical condition that can cause tinnitus, it may, in these cases, be permanent.

As per Statistics Canada, four out of every ten adult Canadians experience some degree of tinnitus, yet most people do not actually report it to their healthcare providers. Ultimately, there’s a number of reasons why tinnitus may occur.

Noise-induced: Have a slight ringing in the ears after attending a loud concert? Chances are, your tinnitus is temporary. Since the recovery time varies per person, it may take anywhere between a few hours to a few days for the symptoms to disappear. For sensitive ears, tinnitus from a noisy event may sometimes become permanent too.

Ear-wax related: Has excessive ear wax buildup led to your tinnitus? To have it removed, visit a qualified Professional. Avoid digging your ears with cotton swabs, as incorrect usage could worsen the blockage and aggravate your tinnitus.

Medical conditions: Did you recently indulge in physical workouts beyond your fitness levels? When was the last time you went for a complete medical examination? Certain strenuous exercises, blood pressure issues, or cardiovascular diseases could result in tinnitus. Typically, it goes away once you get the underlying condition treated.

Medications and allergies: High doses of certain medications can cause temporary tinnitus. These are called ototoxic medications. Usually, your symptoms will vanish as soon as you stop taking the drug. Similarly, any allergies that impact your ear and cause swelling, itching or ear pain, may also bring on temporary tinnitus, which lasts the duration of your allergic reaction.

Prolonged or consistent exposure to a noisy environment could damage or kill the delicate hair cells in your inner ear. This could trigger long-term, or permanent tinnitus. At times, the root cause of tinnitus may be unrelated to your ears. Certain neurological diseases, head and neck injuries, or blood vessel disorders could also impact your inner ear, leading to experiencing tinnitus.

Originally Published on Echo Audiology Read More Is Tinnitus Permanent or Temporary