What Causes Temporary Tinnitus?

Temporary tinnitus is a short-term symptom where people hear sounds like ringing or buzzing in their ears. It can happen to anyone and is usually brief, often resolving on its own. Understanding what temporary tinnitus is can help you recognize it and know when it might be worth seeking advice from a hearing health professional.

What is Temporary Tinnitus?

Temporary tinnitus is a short-lived symptom of an underlying condition whereby you will hear noises like a ringing, whistling or whooshing in the ear, despite the fact no noise is being made externally. You will hear phantom sounds that have no basis in reality but which are very real to you. Unlike chronic tinnitus, which is ongoing symptoms, temporary tinnitus will come and go and may only be experienced for a short time.

What Causes Temporary Tinnitus?

There are several factors can trigger temporary tinnitus. These causes can include:

• Exposure to loud noise: One of the most prevalent causes is constant loud noise exposure, like from concerts or heavy machinery, which can temporarily damage the ear’s sensitive structures.
• Earwax buildup: Blockages from earwax or foreign objects can press against the eardrum, causing temporary hearing loss and tinnitus.
• Medications: Certain medications have tinnitus as a side effect, particularly at higher doses. These include some types of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and antidepressants.
• Medical issues: Health issues that affect blood flow, like high blood pressure or diabetes, can induce temporary tinnitus.

How Can Temporary Tinnitus Be Treated?

While there’s no cure for tinnitus, several strategies can help manage and reduce its impact:

• Noise masking: Using background sounds or white noise can help mask the tinnitus, making it less noticeable.
• Stress management: Stress and anxiety can worsen tinnitus, so relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga or meditation can be beneficial.
• Avoid triggers: Steering clear of loud noises and stimulants like caffeine and nicotine might reduce the occurrence or severity of tinnitus episodes.

A hearing health professional will be able to recommend the right treatment for your tinnitus.

How to Prevent Temporary Tinnitus

Preventing temporary tinnitus involves protecting your ears from potential harm. Here are a few tips:

• Use hearing protection: Try to wear earplugs or earmuffs in loud places.
• Manage medication side effects: Medications like antibiotics and aspirin can increase your risk of tinnitus, so if you are taking them and you get tinnitus, talk to your general practitioner about switching to something else or lowering your dosage.
• Maintain ear hygiene: Keeping your ears clean will definitely help to reduce your risk of tinnitus as a build-up of earwax is known to be a common cause for many.

When Should You Seek a Hearing Health Professional?

Most instances of tinnitus are temporary, but if you noticed it constantly or you have regular bouts of tinnitus, then it is definitely worth seeking the help of a hearing health professional who can take a closer look at your auditory health and recommend effective treatment if necessary. If you have noticed any signs of tinnitus, schedule an appointment with a hearing health professional.