When you first notice that ringing in your ears you could have a very common response: pretend that it’s no big thing. You go about your normal habits: you do your grocery shopping, you make dinner, you attempt to have a discussion with your partner. In the meantime, you’re attempting to push that ringing in your ear to the back of your mind. Because you feel sure of one fact: your tinnitus will fade away by itself.
After several more days of unremitting ringing and buzzing, however, you start to have doubts.
This scenario happens to others as well. Tinnitus can be a tricky little affliction, sometimes it will go away by itself and in some cases, it will stay for a longer period of time.
When Tinnitus is Likely to Vanish by Itself
Around the world, nearly everybody has had a bout of tinnitus because it’s extremely common. Tinnitus is a non-permanent condition, in most situations, and will ultimately vanish on it’s own. The most prevalent example is the rock concert: you go see Bruce Springsteen at your local stadium (it’s a good show) and when you get home, you notice that there is ringing in your ears.
The type of tinnitus that is linked to temporary damage from loud noise will often subside within a couple of days (and you chalk it up to the cost of seeing your favorite band on stage).
Over time hearing loss can go from temporary or “acute” to permanent or “chronic” because of this exact type of damage. One concert too many and you might be waiting a long, long time for your tinnitus to subside by itself.
Often Times, Tinnitus Doesn’t Just go Away
If your tinnitus continues for over three months it’s then referred to as chronic tinnitus (but you should have it examined by a specialist long before that).
Something like 5-15% of individuals globally have reported indications of chronic tinnitus. The precise causes of tinnitus are still not very well understood though there are some known associations (such as hearing loss).
Usually, a fast cure for tinnitus will be elusive if the triggers aren’t apparent. If your ears have been ringing for over three months and there’s no identifiable cause, there’s a good chance that the sound will not recede by itself. In those situations, there are treatment options available (like cognitive behavioral therapy or noise-canceling devices) that can help you control symptoms and protect your quality of life.
It’s Significant to Know What The Cause of Your Tinnitus is
It becomes a lot easier to decrease the symptoms of tinnitus when you can establish the fundamental causes. As an example, if your tinnitus is produced by a persistent, bacterial ear infection, treatment with an antibiotic will tend to solve both issues, bringing about a healthy ear and crystal-clear hearing.
Here are some potential causes of acute tinnitus:
- Eardrum damage (such as a perforated eardrum)
- Chronic ear infections
- Meniere’s disease (this is often associated with chronic tinnitus, as Meniere’s has no cure)
- Loss of hearing (again, this is often associated with chronic tinnitus)
- A blockage in the ear or ear canal
The Big Question…Will my Tinnitus Ever Subside?
Generally speaking, your tinnitus will recede by itself. But the longer it hangs around, the longer you hear tinnitus noises, the more likely it becomes that you’re dealing with chronic tinnitus.
You think that if you simply forget it should vanish by itself. But eventually, your tinnitus may become uncomfortable and it might become tough to focus on anything else. In those circumstances, wishful thinking might not be the comprehensive treatment plan you require.
The majority of the time tinnitus is simply the body’s reaction to loud noise that could be damaging over time and will subside on its own. Whether that’s chronic or acute tinnitus, well, only time will tell.