Does tinnitus go away on its own?

Have you ever experienced ringing in your ears before? If the answer is yes, you know how distracting and uncomfortable it can be. The first few times, you may try to brush off the buzzing or whistling and continue with your day. But when the sound doesn’t fade—and becomes something you can’t ignore—it’s natural to wonder whether something more serious is going on.

Many people assume tinnitus will simply disappear on its own. And while this is true in some cases, it’s not always guaranteed. Understanding what’s behind your symptoms is the key to knowing what to expect.

• How common is tinnitus?
• What causes tinnitus?
• When does tinnitus go away?
• When does tinnitus linger?
• How can tinnitus be treated?
• What to remember about tinnitus

Note: Our Hearing Care Providers (HCPs) are here to support your ear health and provide personalized guidance. However, if you’re concerned about hearing changes or other medical issues affecting your hearing, always consult with your healthcare provider as your first priority.

How common is tinnitus?

Statistics from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS) show that tinnitus is widespread across the country, with 37% of Canadian adults experiencing tinnitus within the past year.

For many, symptoms are mild or occasional, but for others they can be more disruptive. In fact, about 7% of adults reported bothersome tinnitus, meaning the condition affected daily activities such as sleep, concentration, or mood. While tinnitus becomes more common with age and often appears alongside hearing loss, it also affects many Canadians with normal hearing.

These numbers highlight just how common tinnitus is—and why seeking support early can make a meaningful difference.

What causes tinnitus?

Tinnitus isn’t a condition itself—it’s a symptom that varies widely from person to person, and it can stem from several underlying issues. Understanding the cause is the first step toward determining whether your tinnitus is temporary or long-lasting.

1. Exposure to loud noise

One of the most common causes of tinnitus is exposure to loud noise. Extended time in noisy environments—like concerts, construction sites, or even sitting close to airplane engines—can damage the sensory cells in the cochlea. Sudden, extremely loud sounds such as explosions may also lead to acoustic trauma. Hearing protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, can help reduce your risk.

2. Blocked ear canal from earwax buildup

Although ears typically clean themselves, excess earwax can build up and press against the eardrum, affecting how it vibrates. This pressure may trigger tinnitus. Professional earwax removal is the safest approach when blockage occurs, so reach out to the Hearing Care Providers (HCPs) at your nearest Connect Hearing.

3. Chronic middle ear infection

Middle ear infections (otitis media) develop when the auditory tube traps pathogens in the ear. These infections are especially common in children. Symptoms may include ringing, ear pain, fever, or dizziness. While many infections resolve within a couple of weeks, inner ear infections may last longer and increase the risk of tinnitus.  If you think you may have an ear infection, talk to your primary healthcare provider.

4. Ruptured (perforated) eardrum

A perforated eardrum is a tear in the thin tissue separating the ear canal from the middle ear. Complications may include hearing loss and greater vulnerability to infections—both of which increase the chances of developing tinnitus.

5. Otosclerosis

Otosclerosis is a bone disorder affecting the middle and inner ear. As it progresses, hearing loss becomes more likely, and tinnitus may develop as a symptom. Treatment varies from hearing aids for mild impairment to surgery in more advanced cases.

6. Meniere’s disease

Meniere’s disease affects the inner ear and can cause severe vertigo, hearing loss, fullness in the ear, and tinnitus. The condition typically affects only one ear.

7. Pulsatile tinnitus

Unlike typical tinnitus, pulsatile tinnitus creates a rhythmic sound that matches your heartbeat. High blood pressure is a common cause, though other vascular issues may also play a role.  Reach out to your primary healthcare provider if you have any symptoms of pulsatile tinnitus.

8. Medication side effects

Some antibiotics, cancer treatments, and common prescription medications list tinnitus as a potential side effect. If you suspect your symptoms are medication-related, don’t stop taking medications—speak with your  primary healthcare provider first. 

9. No identifiable cause

In some cases, the source of tinnitus remains unknown—this is called primary or idiopathic tinnitus. If symptoms last longer than three months without a clear cause, they may be less likely to resolve on their own, but effective management options are still available.

When does tinnitus go away?

Many people experience short-term tinnitus that resolves on its own. This is common when the inner ear needs time to recover after exposure to loud noise, such as leaving a concert or using power tools. Temporary tinnitus often fades within hours to several days.

However, repeated exposure to high noise levels can lead to permanent damage over time, increasing the likelihood of chronic symptoms. Other temporary causes, such as stress, certain medications, or minor infections, may also improve once the underlying issue resolves.

If your tinnitus improves within a few days or weeks, chances are it was linked to a reversible source. But persistent symptoms should never be ignored.

When does tinnitus linger?

Tinnitus that lasts longer than three months is considered chronic. While chronic tinnitus is not always severe, it can impact quality of life, causing stress, difficulty sleeping, challenges with concentration, and emotional fatigue.

You should never wait months before seeking help. Early evaluation can uncover potential causes, rule out serious issues, and help you access treatment options that may reduce your symptoms.

How can tinnitus be treated?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause of your symptoms. Once the cause is identified, managing tinnitus becomes much more straightforward. Common treatment approaches include:

• Hearing aids: These can amplify environmental sound, making tinnitus less noticeable.
• Sound therapy: Background noise or masking devices can help reduce the perception of ringing.
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT): CBT helps reduce stress and reframe your response to tinnitus.
• Medications: If tinnitus is linked to infection or inflammation, your doctor may prescribe medication.
• Surgery: In cases such as otosclerosis, surgical intervention may restore hearing and reduce tinnitus.

Most people benefit from a combination of approaches. A Hearing Care Provider (HCP) can help determine what’s right for you.

What to remember about tinnitus

Tinnitus affects millions of people, and while it can be distressing, it’s often manageable—and in many cases, temporary. Understanding the cause of your symptoms is the best way to know whether tinnitus may fade on its own or requires professional care.

Key takeaways

If you’re concerned about tinnitus or changes in your hearing, we’re here to help. You can book a free hearing test or find a Connect Hearing clinic near you to take the next step.