How long does tinnitus last? You are not alone if you are asking that question. One of the most common concerns among the patients at Treble Health is: whether you have been living with the ringing in your ears for some time or have just recently started noticing it, you are probably wondering—is this temporary or permanent?
"Treble Health helped me turn down the sound of my tinnitus. Now I can breathe, and get on with my life!"
"Treble Health helped me turn down the sound of my tinnitus. Now I can breathe, and get on with my life!"
– Elisa
Book a free consultation to learn which Treble Health solution is right for you. Join Elisa and thousands more who have found lasting tinnitus relief.
Especially in the beginning, tinnitus symptoms can be pretty upsetting. But the truth is, how long tinnitus lasts can vary a lot depending on several factors. Some people may notice it fades away on its own. For others, managing tinnitus becomes more of a long-term journey—but not one without hope or progress.
Using what we now know from research, clinical experience, and real patient stories, let’s break this down clearly.
Tinnitus Can Be Short-Term or Long-Term
Tinnitus doesn’t always stick around. Some people experience short-term tinnitus, often caused by things like exposure to loud noise, earwax buildup, or an ear infection. When the cause is treated or goes away, the noise in your ears might stop too.
But if the ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound sticks around for longer than three months, it’s often referred to as chronic tinnitus. This is more common than you might think. And while chronic tinnitus might not fully disappear, it can become much more manageable over time.
According to one study, about 40% of people with mild tinnitus and 20% with severe tinnitus reported their symptoms went away after five years (source)
So yes, tinnitus can go away. And even if it doesn’t fully disappear, there’s a lot you can do to reduce the impact of tinnitus.
What Affects How Long Tinnitus Lasts?
Several things influence how long tinnitus lasts. Here are some key factors:
1. Underlying Cause
- Tinnitus may resolve quickly if it’s caused by temporary issues like noise exposure, ear infections, or medication side effects.
- Long-term tinnitus is more common with conditions like hearing loss and tinnitus disorders or Ménière’s disease, which often develop gradually and persist (source).
2. How Soon You Start Treatment
- Early intervention matters. The sooner you address tinnitus, the better chance you have to prevent your brain from “locking in” the tinnitus signal. Treatment may include hearing aids, sound therapy devices and counseling.
- Waiting too long can allow the brain to reinforce the sound and make it harder to tune out.
3. Stress and Lifestyle
- Stress, anxiety, and sleep problems can make tinnitus worse.
- Your nervous system is closely tied to how you perceive sound. Learning to regulate stress often leads to symptom relief.
4. Treatment Consistency
- Sticking to therapies like sound therapy or mindfulness increases your chance of long-term improvement.
- According to a 2021 study, 40% of people with mild tinnitus and 20% with severe cases reported full resolution after 5 years (source).
Other Factors That Can Affect Your Tinnitus
Aside from timing and treatment, here are 3 additional factors that can influence how you experience tinnitus:
Hearing Loss
- Around 90% of people with tinnitus also have some hearing loss.
- But not everyone with hearing loss is bothered by tinnitus—and not all tinnitus is caused by hearing damage.
- You can have tinnitus without hearing loss.
Medication
- Some medications—called ototoxic drugs—can trigger or worsen tinnitus.
- Always talk to your doctor about medication side effects.
Trauma (Physical or Emotional)
- Tinnitus sometimes starts or gets worse after trauma.
- This would include physical or emotional trauma from a severe injury or intense emotional distress.
- Even after physical issues have healed, tinnitus may linger due to the brain’s response to stress.
When Is Tinnitus Considered Permanent?
This is one of the most common questions we get: “If I still have tinnitus after a few months, is it permanent?”
Here’s how we answer it at Treble Health:
The Three-Month Mark
- The first three months are often called the acute phase. Some people improve during this time, but others don’t see significant changes until 6 to 18 months later.
- If you’re still struggling at the three-month point, that doesn’t mean your tinnitus is permanent. It just means it’s time to start or intensify a treatment plan.
Long-Term Doesn’t Mean Unbearable
- Many of our patients reach a point where the tinnitus is still technically present, but no longer bothers them. That’s a huge win.
- Some even forget they have it for long stretches of time—we call that habituation.
Can Tinnitus Go Away on Its Own?
Yes, it can. Especially if it’s caused by something temporary, like noise exposure or an ear infection.
But for many people, tinnitus won’t simply vanish without any effort. And that’s okay—because you can still improve your symptoms and quality of life.
We’ve seen hundreds of patients reduce their tinnitus through a combination of strategies, such as:
- Sound therapy
- Tinnitus retraining therapy (TRT)
- Mindfulness and relaxation techniques
- Addressing neck/jaw issues, stress, or related health conditions
What Is the Recovery Timeline With TRT?
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy is one of the most effective options we offer at Treble Health. It does take time, but the benefits can be long-lasting.
1-2 Months
- Frequent visits with your audiologist to build your custom plan
- Daily sound therapy routines start here
2-4 Months
- Early improvements may appear
- Some patients report their tinnitus perception reduces
6-18 Months
- Most people reach a plateau where tinnitus no longer affects daily life
- You may still hear it, but it stops feeling like a problem
After 18 Months
- Many patients need sound therapy less often
- Tinnitus becomes a background noise, barely noticeable
Keep in mind, complete silence isn’t always a realistic goal. A 50% reduction in intensity or emotional reaction is often life-changing.
Final Notes from Dr. Ben
If you’re still asking, “How long does tinnitus last—and is it permanent or temporary?” you’re not alone. The truth is, tinnitus doesn’t always go away completely—but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it forever in a way that disrupts your life.
At Treble Health, we don’t chase silence—we help you retrain the brain, regulate your nervous system, and restore peace of mind. Through tools like sound therapy, stress reduction, education, and sometimes dietary changes, tinnitus can become a background sound instead of a daily struggle.
This isn’t about a quick fix. It’s about real, lasting relief—and yes, that’s possible.
If your symptoms are lingering, changing, or affecting your quality of life, don’t wait. Schedule a free consultation with our audiologists. We’ll help you find the treatment approach that fits your unique needs.
Next Step: Book Free Consultation
- 75% of patients reduced their tinnitus within three months after following our recommendations.
- "I feel like Treble Health literally gave me my life back." - Randy S. (verified customer)
- Join thousands of people who have reduced their tinnitus after scheduling a free consultation.
