Understanding Tinnitus: Common Triggers and Recovery

What is tinnitus, and will it ever go away? 

Tinnitus is a common symptom affecting up to 25% of adults and seniors worldwide and roughly 10% of children and adolescents. The sound varies among individuals, with some common descriptions being buzzing, whirring, ringing, and whooshing.

While the direct causes of tinnitus remain unclear, researchers have identified several common triggers. Whether or not tinnitus disappears often depends on the underlying cause, and it's hard to assess without knowing an individual's specific case. 

Below are some of the most common triggers, including how they relate to recovery. 

Consistent or frequent exposure to loud environments can damage hair cells in the inner ear responsible for converting sound waves into electrical signals. When these hair cells are damaged, they can produce abnormal electrical signals that the brain interprets as tinnitus. 

Will it go away? 

It depends. If the exposure was brief, like attending a loud concert, tinnitus may fade within hours or days. But if the damage is more severe or repeated over time, the symptoms can become chronic. Early intervention and hearing protection are key to preventing long-term effects. 

Helpful tips 

• Use earplugs or noise-canceling headphones in loud settings. 
• Take breaks from noisy environments to give your ears time to recover. 
• Avoid turning up the volume too high on headphones or earbuds. 
• If tinnitus persists, consider seeing an audiologist for a hearing test and personalized advice. 

When earwax builds up in the canal, it can press against the eardrum, which disrupts sound transmission by preventing the eardrum from vibrating. Tinnitus caused by this process is especially common in people who frequently use earbuds or clean their ears with cotton swabs, which can push wax deeper into the canal. 

Will it go away?

Yes, in many cases. If tinnitus is caused by earwax buildup, symptoms often improve or disappear shortly after the blockage is removed. Relief may be immediate or take a few days, depending on how long the ear was impacted. 

Helpful tips 

• Avoid using cotton swabs, as they push earwax deeper into the ear. 
• Get earwax removal once or twice a year. 
• Keep earbuds and hearing aids clean to prevent buildup. 

Certain medications are known to be ototoxic, meaning they can damage the inner ear and trigger tinnitus. These include high-dose aspirin, NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), some antibiotics, antidepressants, and chemotherapy drugs. The risk increases with long-term or high-dose use. 

Will it go away? 

Sometimes. Tinnitus caused by medication may resolve after stopping or switching the drug, but in rare cases, it can become permanent. Always consult your doctor before making changes to your medication regimen. 

Helpful tips 

• Review your medications with a healthcare provider, especially if tinnitus began after starting a new drug. 
• Never stop prescribed medication without medical guidance. Ask about alternatives with fewer auditory side effects. 
• Track your symptoms to help identify patterns or triggers. 

Stress doesn't just affect your mood, it can impact your entire body, including your auditory system. When you're under pressure, your body releases stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. These can alter blood flow to the inner ear, which increases muscle tension around the neck & jaw and the brain's sensitivity to sound. Such modifications in the body can contribute to or worsen tinnitus. 

Will it go away? 

It can. If stress is the primary trigger, tinnitus may fade once stress levels are reduced. However, chronic or long-term stress can make symptoms harsher or more persistent. Managing stress effectively is the key to relief. 

Helpful tips 

• Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. 

• Prioritize sleep and maintain a consistent sleep schedule. 

• Limit caffeine and alcohol, which can increase stress responses. 

• Stay active, as regular exercise helps regulate stress hormones and improve mood. 

The experience of tinnitus is different from person to person. While some hear an occasional faint ringing, others may struggle with constant sounds that affect their everyday life. Tinnitus arises from a variety of causes, and can be resolved by a variety of treatments. 

It's important to acknowledge that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Treatments that calm down tinnitus for one person may cause it to surge for another, which is why understanding your own triggers and seeking professional guidance is extremely important. 

Remember that you are not alone. Through the screeching of tinnitus, self-care and understanding are essential. Discover other ways that Ode to Quietude can support your journey.