You may have a common reaction when you first hear that ringing in your ears: pretend that it’s no big deal. You continue your normal routines: you have a conversation with family, go shopping, and prepare lunch. While you simultaneously try your hardest to dismiss that ringing. Because there is one thing you feel certain about: your tinnitus will go away on its own.
You start to get concerned, however, when after a few days the ringing and buzzing is unrelenting.
You aren’t the only one to ever be in this position. Tinnitus can be a tricky little affliction, sometimes it will disappear on its own and sometimes, it will stick around for a longer period of time.
When Tinnitus is Likely to Vanish by Itself
Around the world, nearly everyone has had a bout of tinnitus because it’s very common. In almost all situations, tinnitus is basically temporary and will eventually vanish by itself. The most common example is the rock concert: you go to your local stadium to see your favorite band and you discover, when you get back home, that there is a ringing in your ears.
The kind of tinnitus that is associated with temporary damage from loud noise will normally decrease within a few days (and you chalk it up to the cost of seeing your favorite band play live).
Naturally, it’s precisely this type of noise injury that, over time, can cause loss of hearing to move from temporary (or acute, as they say) to chronic. Too many of those kinds of concerts and you could wind up with permanent tinnitus.
Often Times, Tinnitus Doesn’t Simply Disappear
If your tinnitus doesn’t diminish (either on its own or with help) within the span of three months or so, the ailment is then classified chronic tinnitus (this does not, however, suggest that you should wait that long to consult with a specialist about lingering ringing, buzzing, or thumping in your ears).
Something like 5-15% of people globally have recorded indications of chronic tinnitus. The exact causes of tinnitus are still not very well known although there are some known associations (such as hearing loss).
Normally, a fast cure for tinnitus will be unidentifiable if the causes aren’t clear. There is a strong possibility that your tinnitus won’t go away on its own if you have been hearing the ringing for more than three months. In those situations, there are treatment options available (such as cognitive behavioral therapy or noise-canceling devices) that can help you control symptoms and maintain your quality of life.
The Reason For Your Tinnitus is Important
When you can establish the underlying cause of your tinnitus, dealing with the condition quickly becomes much easier. For example, if your tinnitus is created by a persistent, bacterial ear infection, treatment with an antibiotic will usually solve both issues, resulting in a healthy ear and clear hearing.
Here are some likely causes of acute tinnitus:
- Meniere’s disease (this usually has no cure and is often associated with chronic tinnitus)
- Hearing loss (again, this is often associated with chronic tinnitus)
- A blockage in the ear or ear canal
- Chronic ear infections
- Damage to the eardrum (such as a perforated eardrum)
So…Will The Noises in My Ears Go Away?
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 experiencing chronic tinnitus.
You feel that if you just disregard it should go away by itself. But there may come a point where your tinnitus starts to become uncomfortable, where it’s hard to concentrate because the sound is too distracting. And in those instances, you may want a treatment plan more comprehensive than crossing your fingers.
Most of the time tinnitus is just the body’s answer to loud noise that may be damaging over time and will subside on its own. Whether that’s acute or chronic tinnitus, well, we’ll only know over time.