The AudioNotch Tinnitus Treatment Blog

Please note: the following information does not constitute professional medical advice, and is provided for general informational purposes only. Please speak to your doctor if you have tinnitus.

Many people with tinnitus wonder, “Does tinnitus increase in intensity over time?” There is no surefire way to determine whether the volume of your tinnitus will increase in the future. However, in most people, tinnitus volume does increase as time passes. If a medical condition is the cause of your tinnitus, then your physician and audiologist may be able to provide you with detailed information about how your tinnitus will change over time.

When Does Tinnitus Increase in Intensity?
In most people, tinnitus increases in volume as the months and years go by. You may experience life changes such as increased stress, hypertension or heart disease that cause your tinnitus to worsen. If you are a smoker, continuing to smoke may also cause your tinnitus to increase in intensity over time. Temporary medical issues such as a migraine headache can also lead to temporary or permanent increases in tinnitus volume. You might also notice that the pitch of your tinnitus changes. A higher pitch of tinnitus may make it sound louder than it did previously.

Variable Symptoms of Tinnitus
In some people, tinnitus volume varies. General changes in your health may affect the loudness of tinnitus, as can your level of rest and relaxation. When you are healthy, getting enough sleep and have a low level of stress in your life, you may find that your tinnitus volume decreases. If you can maintain good health and work with your medical team, you may be able to maintain the lower volume of tinnitus. Adjusting your tinnitus masker may also help with the management of tinnitus symptoms that change.

Protecting Your Hearing
There is no guarantee of how your tinnitus will change over time. However, the answer to the question of, “Does tinnitus increase in intensity over time?” is a resounding “Yes” for most people. The best action that you can take to prevent your tinnitus from worsening is to protect your hearing. Protect your hearing by avoiding loud noises whenever possible. When loud noise cannot be avoided, use hearing protection. If you are a carpenter, you may want to invest in the highest grade of noise elimination headphones available. If you plan to visit a music concert, you may wish to wear headphones or physician-approved ear plugs. Avoiding smoking and only taking medications as prescribed by your physician can also help to protect your hearing and minimize your risk of worsening tinnitus.