Tinnitus, otherwise known as “ringing in the ear”, can last anywhere from a few seconds to a lifetime. Your tinnitus is considered chronic if you’ve been experiencing symptoms for more than 3 months, as outlined by the National Institute of Deafness. However, only a detailed history and physical examination can determine your tinnitus diagnosis. Experiencing tinnitus for long periods of time can be distressing, which is why many turn to Neuralia TMS to help manage their symptoms.
If you believe you are part of the 26.5% of Australia’s working population who experience tinnitus, you may be wondering how long it’ll last, what the cause of tinnitus is, and how you can reduce its impact on your life. We’ve put together this guide to help you traverse your tinnitus symptoms.
Key Takeaways
- Tinnitus can last a few seconds or potentially the rest of your life, depending on the underlying health conditions that caused the symptoms.
- Several conditions can cause tinnitus, including hearing loss, inner or middle ear infections, and certain medical conditions.
- You can recognise tinnitus by its signature buzzing or ringing in the ear.
- Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and other treatments are effective at helping reduce the impact of symptoms of tinnitus on your life.
Will Tinnitus Go Away?
Tinnitus can go away, although this will depend on the type of tinnitus you have and what caused the ringing in your ears. A key indicator that could tell you if your tinnitus may go away is whether your tinnitus is temporary or permanent. While this may seem obvious, telling your physician or audiologist about the frequency of your tinnitus symptoms will go a long way in determining whether the ring or buzz in your ear will go away over time.
What is the Difference Between Temporary and Permanent Tinnitus?
We’ve outlined the key differences between temporary and permanent tinnitus below:
| Temporary Tinnitus | Chronic or Permanent Tinnitus | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Symptoms that last between a few minutes and several days | Persistent symptoms of tinnitus that last for over 3 months |
| Intensity | Typically, less intense | Typically, high intensity |
| Prevalence | Approximately 1.4 million Australian workers – about 14.8% of the workforce | 0.5 million Australians, or 5.5% of the workforce, suffer from constant tinnitus |
| Causes | Sinus infections, ear obstructions, sudden exposure to loud noise | Hearing loss, chronic conditions, vascular problems |
| Should You Contact Your Doctor? | No, unless it interferes with your daily life | Yes |
What Causes Tinnitus?
Tinnitus can be caused by age-related hearing loss, an ear infection, as well as certain medical conditions and medication. Here are some common causes of tinnitus:
- Age-related hearing loss
- Noise-induced hearing loss
- Ear infections
- Blockages in the ear canal (earwax)
- Head or neck injuries
- High blood pressure
- TMJ disorders (temporomandibular joint disorders)
- Ménière’s disease
- Ototoxic medications
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Circulatory or vascular disorders
How to Tell If You Have Tinnitus
You can tell if you’re experiencing tinnitus if you’ve noticed the following symptoms.
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Ringing or Buzzing Sound
You’ll experience a ringing, buzzing, hissing, roaring, clicking, or even a whooshing noise in one ear or both ears. These sounds can vary in pitch and intensity, but if the sound is not caused by a source that other people can hear, it is a form of tinnitus.
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Patterned Noise
The pattern at which you’ll hear tinnitus is just as varied as the sound, but in most cases of tinnitus, the noise will either be constant, intermittent, or pulsating. Pulsatile tinnitus can be heard by other people and usually moves in sync or rhythm with your heartbeat.
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Hearing Loss
You may notice a loss of hearing, ear pain, or hearing impairment when experiencing mild or severe tinnitus. If you have had frequent exposure to loud noises while working or during recreational activities, this hearing loss may be more pronounced and coupled with the signature ringing white noise of tinnitus.
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Decreased Quality of Life
Many Australians often live with undiagnosed tinnitus, ignoring the symptoms and assuming that it may last only a few days. This can severely impact your quality of life, leading to anxiety, depression, and decreased capacity to work once people come to terms with tinnitus not going away.
When Should You See a Doctor for Tinnitus?
If you notice yourself experiencing these symptoms, especially if they remain persistent or worsen over time, then you should book a consultation to determine if you have tinnitus. Tinnitus is a symptom of an underlying condition, which may originate in your inner ear or brain, and receiving answers to questions about tinnitus can not only help you manage its symptoms but also ease any concerns you may have.
What Should you do if you are Diagnosed with Tinnitus?
If you’ve been diagnosed with tinnitus, it’s important to realise that there are some tinnitus treatment options at your disposal. While there’s no cure for tinnitus, speaking with your primary healthcare physician or audiologist can shed light on which option may be right for you. One of the most well-known, non-invasive options is rTMS, which can help reduce the effects of tinnitus on your everyday life.
Our team at Neuralia TMS provides ample support to help you find the tailored rTMS that suits your schedule and needs. Contact Neuralia TMS today and let us help you take the first step towards a quieter future.
FAQs on How long does Tinnitus Last?
What are signs that tinnitus is going away?
Signs that tinnitus is going away include shorter durations of tinnitus, lower intensity of ringing, and overall reduced ear pressure if it was caused by an ear infection. If you feel your tinnitus symptoms are improving, it’s important to speak with a physician to steer clear of activities that can cause or worsen tinnitus.
Is tinnitus permanent?
Not always; tinnitus can be permanent, but not necessarily. Permanent tinnitus is often caused by long-term exposure to loud noises and certain chronic conditions. To prevent permanent tinnitus, it’s important to use a hearing aid or other ear plugs and protection to limit your exposure to high-decibel noises.
Is there a cure for tinnitus?
No, there is no current cure for tinnitus. If you want to reduce the effect that tinnitus has on your life, there are several management strategies and therapies you can use like sound therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS).
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