Can tinnitus go away on its own?

Temporary tinnitus from noise exposure often resolves within hours to days. Chronic tinnitus may not disappear completely but can become less noticeable with treatment and the brain's natural habituation process.

Is there a cure for tinnitus?

There is currently no definitive cure for most forms of tinnitus. However, treatments such as sound therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and hearing aids can significantly reduce its impact on quality of life.

Can tinnitus cause hearing loss?

Tinnitus does not cause hearing loss, but both conditions often occur together. The underlying damage to the auditory system that causes hearing loss frequently also produces tinnitus.

Eye & EarICD-10: H93.1Affects approximately 15-20% of the population, with about 20 million experiencing chronic tinnitus

Tinnitus

Also known as: Ringing in the ears

Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, hissing, or other sounds in the ears when no external sound is present. It is not a disease itself but a symptom of an underlying condition such as hearing loss, ear injury, or circulatory problems. While tinnitus can be bothersome, various management strategies can significantly reduce its impact on daily life.

Symptoms

Ringing, buzzing, or humming in one or both ears

Roaring, clicking, or hissing sounds

Phantom sounds that may be constant or intermittent

Difficulty concentrating due to the noise

Sleep disturbances

Irritability, anxiety, or depression related to the sound

Causes

Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis)
Noise-induced hearing damage from loud environments
Earwax blockage
Changes in the ear bones from otosclerosis
Meniere's disease
TMJ disorders

Risk Factors

Prolonged exposure to loud noise
Age over 60
Male sex
Smoking
Cardiovascular conditions
Ototoxic medications

Diagnosis

Audiological examination and hearing tests
Physical examination of the ears, head, and neck
Imaging such as CT or MRI to rule out structural causes
Blood tests if vascular or metabolic cause is suspected

Treatment

Hearing aids if hearing loss is present
Sound therapy using white noise or masking devices
Cognitive behavioral therapy to manage emotional impact
Tinnitus retraining therapy
Treating underlying conditions such as earwax removal or medication changes
Medications for associated anxiety or depression

Prevention

Using hearing protection in loud environments
Limiting exposure to loud music and noise
Maintaining cardiovascular health
Avoiding ototoxic medications when possible

When to See a Doctor

Tinnitus that develops suddenly or in one ear only
Tinnitus accompanied by hearing loss or dizziness
Pulsatile tinnitus that sounds like a heartbeat
Tinnitus that significantly affects daily life or sleep

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

Hearing Loss

Eye & Ear

Meniere's Disease

Eye & Ear

Vertigo

Neurological

Temporomandibular Joint Disorder

Musculoskeletal

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