Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears, and it affects millions of people across the UK. It can be a mild annoyance or a constant disturbance. One of the most common questions we hear at Eltham Pharmacy is: Can tinnitus go away on its own? The answer is sometimes.

There are several reasons why tinnitus may be temporary and resolve without long-term intervention. Understanding these potential causes can help you take the right steps, whether it’s managing symptoms at home, seeking advice from a pharmacist, or exploring professional care.

Here are five common reasons why tinnitus might go away, and what to do if it doesn’t.

1. Earwax Removal

A leading cause of temporary tinnitus is earwax build-up. When wax accumulates in the ear canal, it can press against the eardrum or block sound waves, leading to distortions that are perceived as ringing or humming.

In these cases, tinnitus often disappears after the blockage is removed. While ear drops may help soften the wax, they’re not always effective on their own, especially for more stubborn build-up. That’s where we can help. At Eltham Pharmacy, we offer professional ear irrigation, a gentle, safe, and effective method to flush out excess wax and restore natural hearing clarity. Many people report immediate relief from tinnitus symptoms following treatment.

2. Infections Resolving

Tinnitus is also commonly linked to ear or sinus infections. Inflammation in the ear can cause temporary disruptions in hearing, leading to the perception of internal noise. Viral infections, fluid build-up, or congestion from a cold or flu may trigger tinnitus, but this is usually short-lived.

Once the infection clears and the inflammation reduces, the tinnitus often resolves with it. If your symptoms started alongside a recent cold or earache, the cause is likely temporary. Over-the-counter treatments, rest, and hydration can all help speed up recovery. If symptoms linger beyond a week or worsen, it’s worth speaking to a healthcare professional for assessment.

3. Medication Side Effects Stopping

Did you know some medications can cause tinnitus? A number of prescription and over-the-counter drugs list ringing in the ears as a known side effect. These include high doses of aspirin, certain antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medicines, antidepressants, and diuretics.

If your tinnitus began after starting a new medication, this could be the cause, and it may go away once the medication is stopped or changed. It’s important never to discontinue medication without medical advice. At Eltham Pharmacy, we can help you review your medication history and liaise with your GP if a change is appropriate.

4. Hearing Aids

For those with undiagnosed or age-related hearing loss, the brain can overcompensate by trying to “fill in the gaps”, which can manifest as tinnitus. In this case, it’s not a problem with your ears alone, but how your brain is interpreting sound signals.

Hearing aids can help restore the sound your ears are missing and reduce the perception of tinnitus. Many modern aids also include tinnitus masking technology, which produces soothing background noise that reduces awareness of the internal ringing. Over time, this can significantly improve or even eliminate tinnitus symptoms for some individuals.

We’re happy to guide you on whether a hearing assessment might be beneficial and help arrange a referral if needed.

5. Sleep and Hydration

Tinnitus often becomes more noticeable when the body is run down, dehydrated, or lacking proper rest. Stress and fatigue affect the nervous system and increase sensitivity to sound, including internal sounds like ringing or buzzing.

Staying hydrated, prioritising good sleep habits, and reducing caffeine, alcohol, and stress can all contribute to reducing tinnitus severity. For some people, simply improving their lifestyle balance leads to a noticeable improvement or even complete disappearance of their symptoms.

When Tinnitus Doesn’t Go Away

While many cases of tinnitus are temporary, it can sometimes be a sign of something more serious. If your tinnitus persists beyond a few weeks, gets louder, or is accompanied by other symptoms like hearing loss, dizziness, or ear pain, it’s important to seek professional advice.

At Eltham Pharmacy, we can:

• –> Offer ear irrigation for wax-related tinnitus

• –> Review your medication and provide guidance

• –> Help with lifestyle advice to support ear and nervous system health

• –> Refer you to a hearing specialist or ENT consultant when appropriate

Our friendly team is here to help you navigate tinnitus and find the best path toward relief.

Earwax Removal and Hearing Healthcare

So, can tinnitus go away? In many cases, yes, especially when it’s caused by treatable issues like wax build-up, infections, or temporary stress. Understanding the root cause is key, and early action often makes all the difference.

If your tinnitus has become more than a passing irritation, don’t wait for it to go away on its own. Contact Eltham Pharmacy for a professional consultation, safe earwax removal, or support in finding the right specialist. Relief might be just one conversation away.

This blog was written on behalf of Eltham Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.