TMS Therapy

How Long Does Tinnitus Last and When to Seek Help

If you’ve ever experienced a persistent ringing or buzzing in your ears that just won’t go away, you’re not alone. Many people with tinnitus describe it as a constant or occasional noise that can be distracting, frustrating, or even distressing. In fact, according to national health data, about 11.2% of U.S. adults—around 27 million people—experience bothersome tinnitus each year.

But one of the most common questions people ask is: how long does tinnitus last?

The answer isn’t simple, as tinnitus varies from person to person. Some experience it for a few minutes, while others live with it long term. Understanding what causes tinnitus and when to seek help can make a big difference in how you manage it.

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What Exactly Is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus isn’t a condition on its own—it’s a symptom. It often feels like hearing ringing, buzzing, hissing, or even humming sounds without any external source. These tinnitus sounds can range from mild to severe and can affect one or both ears.

There are two main types of tinnitus:

Subjective tinnitus, which only you can hear.
Objective tinnitus, which a doctor might detect through an exam, though it’s rare.

Many people with tinnitus experience it due to issues in the middle ear or ear canal, but it can also stem from other health problems.

Common Causes of Tinnitus

The common causes of tinnitus vary, but they often include:

Loud noise exposure (concerts, power tools, or headphones)
Ear infections or blockages in the ear canal
Hearing loss due to aging
High blood pressure or poor blood flow
Medications that affect hearing, like certain antibiotics
Head or neck injuries

In some cases, tinnitus may appear after a stressful event or illness. For others, it develops gradually and becomes part of their daily life.

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How Long Does Tinnitus Last?

So, how long does tinnitus last exactly? That depends on what’s causing it.

Short-term tinnitus can last a few hours to a couple of days—often after exposure to loud noise or temporary ear infections. For example, if your ears ring after a concert, that usually fades once your hearing recovers.

Long-term tinnitus, however, can persist for weeks, months, or even years. When it lasts beyond six months, it’s considered chronic tinnitus. Chronic cases might require medical evaluation, especially if the sound is constant or worsening over time.

If you’ve been wondering, can tinnitus go away on its own? — yes, sometimes it can. But if it doesn’t improve after a few weeks or keeps recurring, it’s best to seek medical advice.

When to See a Doctor

Not all tinnitus requires immediate medical care, but some symptoms should never be ignored. Visit a doctor if:

The tinnitus occurs suddenly or in only one ear
It’s accompanied by hearing loss or dizziness
It follows a head injury or ear infection
You notice ear pain, drainage, or pressure
The sound becomes louder or more intrusive over time

A doctor may conduct hearing tests or examine your ear canal and middle ear for any blockages or infections. In some cases, imaging scans or clinical trials may be recommended to rule out underlying issues.

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Treatment Options for Tinnitus

While there’s no single cure for tinnitus, several treatment options can help manage or reduce its intensity. The right approach depends on what’s causing it.

Addressing the underlying issue.
If tinnitus is linked to ear infections or a buildup of earwax, treating that condition can often bring relief. Similarly, managing high blood pressure or improving blood flow can help reduce tinnitus in some people.
Using hearing aids.
For people with tinnitus linked to hearing loss, a hearing aid can amplify external sounds, making tinnitus less noticeable. Many modern devices come with sound-masking features that provide soothing background noise.
Sound therapy and counseling.
Sound therapy introduces gentle background sounds to help your brain focus less on tinnitus. Combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), it can retrain how you perceive and respond to tinnitus sounds.

TMS for Tinnitus: A Promising Approach

In recent years, TMS for tinnitus has emerged as a potential treatment option for those who haven’t found relief through traditional methods. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS treatment) uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific areas of the brain involved in auditory processing.

Research suggests that this non-invasive therapy may help reduce the perception of tinnitus by calming overactive neural circuits. Some studies have shown positive outcomes, especially for people with chronic or severe tinnitus.

It’s worth noting, however, that tinnitus can occasionally appear as a side effect of TMS therapy—though this is uncommon. When it does occur, it’s usually mild and temporary. Experts believe it may be due to minor changes in brain activity or blood flow near auditory regions. Reputable clinics, such as Scottsdale TMS, monitor patients closely to ensure their comfort and safety throughout each session.

While more clinical trials are ongoing, TMS for tinnitus continues to offer hope for patients seeking long-term relief when other therapies haven’t worked.

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Living with Tinnitus

Living with tinnitus can be emotionally draining, especially if the sound never seems to stop. But there are ways to manage it effectively:

Avoid loud noises and wear ear protection.
Manage stress through relaxation or mindfulness.
Reduce caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine, which can worsen symptoms.
Try sleep strategies like white noise machines.

For many, tinnitus becomes easier to cope with once they find the right treatment for tinnitus and emotional support. Remember, it’s not something you have to face alone.

Find Support and Relief at Scottsdale TMS

If you’ve been struggling with tinnitus and nothing seems to help, Scottsdale TMS offers a modern, evidence-based approach that could change your life. Their expert team uses rTMS treatment to target brain areas linked to tinnitus perception, helping reduce the constant noise and restore peace of mind.

Scottsdale TMS takes a compassionate, patient-first approach—helping people with tinnitus regain focus, improve sleep, and feel like themselves again.

Reach out today to learn more about TMS for tinnitus and see how it can help you reclaim quiet and comfort.