Have you ever left a concert or sporting event with your ears ringing long after the night ended? That lingering sound is a tinnitus spike, a temporary flare up that happens after exposure to loud noise. It can be uncomfortable and concerning, but with the right care, most tinnitus spikes fade within a few days. At Advanced Hearing and Balance Specialists, we help patients in Utah and South Nevada manage these spikes and protect their hearing for the future.
What Causes Tinnitus Spikes After Loud Events?
Tinnitus spikes usually happen when your ears are exposed to very loud sounds such as live music, fireworks, or power tools. The inner ear’s delicate hair cells can become overstimulated, leading to temporary ringing or buzzing. In some cases, dehydration, stress, fatigue, or alcohol can make the spike feel worse or last longer.
For people who already live with tinnitus, these spikes are more noticeable because the brain is already sensitive to sound changes. Even though the symptoms can be bothersome, they often improve with rest and sound therapy.
What Can You Do to Calm a Tinnitus Spike?
During the first day after a loud event, it is important to rest your ears but not isolate yourself in silence. Absolute quiet can make tinnitus seem louder, so gentle background noise like a fan or calming music can help. Stay hydrated, get plenty of sleep, and avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can intensify tinnitus.
Within 24 hours, sound therapy can be especially helpful. If you wear hearing aids, you can use tinnitus masking programs to play soothing sounds at a comfortable level. Streaming relaxing playlists or nature sounds through Bluetooth can also help your brain refocus. Over the next day or two, reintroduce normal sound environments gradually and practice stress relief techniques like deep breathing or light exercise.
When to See an Audiologist
If the ringing does not fade within a few days, becomes more intense, or is accompanied by dizziness, ear pain, or noticeable hearing loss, it is time to visit an audiologist. These could be signs of an underlying issue that needs professional evaluation.
How Audiologists Can Help
At Advanced Hearing and Balance Specialists, our experienced audiologists can assess the cause of your tinnitus spike and design a plan for recovery. This may include sound therapy, custom ear protection for future events, and hearing evaluations to monitor your hearing health. We will work with you to make sure your tinnitus is properly managed and that you are prepared to protect your ears at the next concert or event.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tinnitus Spikes
Why does my tinnitus get worse after loud noise?
Exposure to loud sounds can temporarily overstimulate your auditory system, causing a spike in tinnitus symptoms.
How long does a tinnitus spike last?
Most tinnitus spikes fade within a few days with rest, hydration, and sound therapy.
Can hearing aids help with tinnitus spikes?
Yes. Hearing aids with tinnitus masking programs can provide soothing sounds that help reduce perception and discomfort.
Audiologists in Utah and South Nevada
Tinnitus spikes can be unsettling, but relief is possible with professional care. At Advanced Hearing and Balance Specialists, we provide tinnitus evaluations, sound therapy, and custom hearing protection at eight locations across Utah and South Nevada.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take control of your hearing health.
