Tinnitus is when you hear ringing sounds in your ears. It affects millions of people worldwide, especially in old age. Tinnitus can be extremely irritating and intervene in daily tasks.
Here is everything you should know about this condition starting from what it is to how long does tinnitus last.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus causes your brain to be filled with sounds that no one else can hear, such as ringing, whistling, clicking, and roaring. It can be sounds that are so mild that you don’t detect them or so loud that they drown out other sounds.
According to Global Prevalence and Incidence of Tinnitus meta-analysis: “Tinnitus affects more than 740 million adults globally and is perceived as a major problem by more than 120 million people, mostly aged 65 years or older.”
Symptoms of Tinnitus:
Tinnitus sounds can range in pitch from a deep roar to a high shriek and can be heard in one or both ears. In certain situations, the sound might be so loud that it impairs your ability to focus or hear outside sounds. You might hear:
- Clicking.
- Hissing.
- Humming.
- Buzzing.
- Roaring.
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Causes of Tinnitus:
Here are some common causes of tinnitus according to research are:
- Hearing impairment: Hearing loss may occur as you become older. Because external noises are no longer masking the symptoms of tinnitus, they become more noticeable.
- Exposure to Loud Noises: Prolonged exposure to loud noises can damage the hair cells within your ear, resulting in tinnitus. This is extremely prevalent in persons who listen to loud music with headphones or work in a noisy workplace.
- Infections of the ears: You may experience some of the symptoms of tinnitus if you have an ear infection.
- Earwax buildup: Tinnitus can also be caused by earwax buildup over time. If you contact an ENT specialist, they will be able to assist you to remove the extra earwax.
- Eardrum perforation: Tinnitus can also result from a perforated eardrum, which can happen for a variety of causes. A perforated eardrum is commonly caused by loud noises, pressure changes induced by flying or diving, and infections.
- Blood vessel problems: If you can clearly hear your own heartbeat, this might indicate that your tinnitus is caused by a blood vessel problem such as high blood pressure or a blood vessel blockage.
So, How Long Does Tinnitus Last?
The answer to how long tinnitus last can range from 24 hours to weeks or even months depending upon the cause.
Tinnitus that lasts a few hours or a day:
Tinnitus that lasts between 16-24 hours is the type of ringing in the ears that happen after being exposed to a really loud sound. This kind is caused by damage to the small sensory hairs that line the ear canal. The difficulty fades gone when they begin to recuperate.
Tinnitus that lasts a week:
If your tinnitus lasts a week is usually caused by an ear or sinus infection, although it can also happen during a cold or flu. The issue here is a buildup of fluid within the ear canal.
This kind fades away on its own, but persons who have symptoms for a week or more after other allergies, cold, and flu symptoms have gone away are at risk.
Tinnitus that lasts for months or years:
Tinnitus can even last for months due to some conditions or even years in some cases. A few of these conditions are:
- Aging
- Ear wax
- Ear bone damage
- Constant exposure to loud noises
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Signs that Tinnitus is Going Away:
Some common signs that your tinnitus is going away are:
- It appears softer or less perceptible.
- It bothers you less now.
- It does not interfere with your ability to sleep, relax, or focus.
- It happens less frequently and for shorter lengths of time.
The Bottom Line
How long does tinnitus last will depend on the reason behind this condition? It may last for a few hours, a day, a week, for months, or for even years in some cases.
It is important to find out the cause of tinnitus which can only be done by a doctor. An ENT specialist can assist you in this situation.
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FAQs
How do I know if my tinnitus is permanent?
If you have tinnitus that lasts for only a few hours or weeks it is more likely to be temporary. However, if it has been going on for months or even years, the problem is most certainly permanent.
Does tinnitus go away on its own?
Yes, your tinnitus will most likely go away on its own in almost all situations. However, the longer these noises remain, the more likely it is that you have chronic tinnitus. In this case, consult a doctor quickly.
What helps tinnitus go away?
There are several remedies that can help tinnitus get better including earwax removal, treating a blood vessel condition, hearing aids, changing your medication, or doing tinnitus exercises.