Do your ears ring? How long have they been ringing like that? If it has been just hours since your ringing came on, there’s a good chance it will go away in a matter of hours. In fact, you might already be experiencing these signs that tinnitus is going away if it is on its way out. Even if it has been days since your Tinnitus came on, there’s a chance that it can go away in up to about 2 weeks. But, anything longer than 2 weeks could mean that your Tinnitus is here to stay. Let’s look at some scenarios where Tinnitus comes and also understand how long it will stick around for.
Tinnitus after loud noise exposure?
Did the ringing in your ears come on after last night’s concert? Exceptionally loud noises can cause tiny hair like cells in the ear to get damaged. If these hair-like cells aren’t permanently damaged, Tinnitus can go away in hours or perhaps a day or two. But, in many cases, cell death caused by very loud noise is often permanent in nature. In such cases, Tinnitus might also be permanent. If you are suffering from Tinnitus after attending a concert or listening to other loud noises, it is imperative that you immediately see an audiologist. They will be able to render you a hearing test to evaluate your hearing. If they diagnose hearing loss, they might recommend you to wear hearing aids which in some cases can resolve or minimize your Tinnitus down to a level where you can barely hear it. Or, it will dampen down to a level where it doesn’t bother you anymore.
Tinnitus after using Q-tips?
Believe it or not, thousands of people every year rupture their eardrum by sticking Q-tips too far down their ear canal. Your eardrum is very sensitive to objects poking around in it. A little too much pressure or that odd angle maneuvering can easily damage the eardrum. Thankfully, eardrums can heal with time, as long as they are not too damaged in the first place.
If your Tinnitus came on after eardrum damage, there’s a chance that it can resolve in a few weeks. But, it is best that you see an ENT to get a proper diagnosis and guidance on this matter. Also, remember that Q-tips are not meant to be stuck down your ear canal. They are only meant to lightly clean the periphery and just maybe the entrance of your ear canal. Improper usage can mean that you could be pushing your earwax down to your eardrum, causing what will become eardrum impaction, another leading cause of Tinnitus.
Tinnitus after sudden hearing loss
Did you know that you can suddenly go deaf or partially deaf and also develop Tinnitus along with it? In such cases, it is imperative that you see a doctor. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss can be corrected with steroids but intervention needs to be quick and precise. Talk to your doctor as soon as possible if you suddenly lost all or part of your hearing.