Head injuries can sometimes cause tinnitus. If this occurs, people should get medical attention, as tinnitus could be a sign of concussion.

A doctor can check for more serious symptoms, as well as other potential complications related to tinnitus or a blow to the head, such as hearing loss.

Read on to learn more about tinnitus after a head injury, including how common it is, when to go to the hospital, what treatments are available, and how long it may last.

Female in profile touching her earShare on Pinterest
Darya Komarova/Getty Images

Tinnitus can occur as a result of a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). According to an older 2014 study, up to 53% of people with a TBI develop this symptom.

Tinnitus may cause high-pitched ringing in the ears, but it could also sound like:

  • buzzing
  • whooshing
  • hissing
  • humming

A 2024 study also found an association between mild TBI and noise sensitivity.

If any of these develop after a knock to the head, it could be a sign of a TBI.

People who may have a TBI should seek medical attention. Most TBIs are mild, but some can be dangerous and cause severe symptoms. A doctor can examine someone and rule out serious complications.

The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) recommends going to the emergency department if a person:

  • lost consciousness after a blow to the head
  • has vomited since the injury
  • has a headache that does not go away
  • has difficulty remembering things
  • was drinking alcohol or taking drugs before the injury
  • takes blood-thinning medications or has a blood clotting disorder
  • has had brain surgery in the past

Children with a TBI may also be fussy, irritable, lethargic, or cry more than usual.

Seek immediate help by calling 911 if a person who hit their head has:

  • bleeding coming from the ears or bruising around them
  • clear fluid coming from the ears or nose
  • a black eye despite not having an injury to the face
  • other problems with their hearing
  • any visual changes
  • difficulty walking, balancing, speaking, or writing
  • numbness or weakness in any area
  • a dent in the head
  • a head wound with something inside it

Scientists are not sure how head injuries lead to tinnitus, but there are several theories. A head injury may:

  • directly harmTrusted Source the ears or structures around it
  • injure parts of the brain responsible for processing sound
  • cause inflammation or damage nerves
  • cause neck injuries at the same time, such as whiplash, which can be a trigger for tinnitus

According to a 2022 review, there are currently no standard guidelines for managing auditory symptoms after a concussion.

Doctors may focus on the injury itself. If the tinnitus is solely the result of a TBI and not any permanent hearing damage, it may resolve along with the other symptoms.

OftenTrusted Source, recovery from a mild TBI involves rest and over-the-counter pain medications for a headache. Specifically, a person should rest both the body and brain for the first 24 to 48 hoursTrusted Source. This means avoiding tasks that require concentration.

Other things a doctor may recommend include:

  • avoiding stress
  • taking prescription medications if OTC options do not work
  • gradually increasing activity when symptom-free at rest

It is vital for recovery that people do not resume work or other activities until they are better. This could take several weeks.

Persistent tinnitus

Around 90%Trusted Source of concussion symptoms are temporary. However, if a person recovers from TBI and still has auditory symptoms, doctors may recommend additional tests or treatments.

If a doctor has not done so already, they will physically examine the ear and look for potential causes of tinnitus, such as fluid buildup, and ask questions about the symptoms. Next, they may refer a person to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor.

The ENT may recommend hearing tests or medical imaging. If they find a physiological cause, they may be able to treat it. For example, they may remove earwax build-up or treat problems with the jaw.

If they do not find a physiological cause, treatments may includeTrusted Source:

  • education about tinnitus
  • sound therapy
  • behavioral therapy
  • tinnitus retraining therapy
  • medications to help support mood, sleep, or manage other effects tinnitus may have

Concussion symptoms usually get better in 10 to 14 daysTrusted Source, and the vast majority recover without any long-term complications.

However, there may be lingering symptoms in a minority of cases. For example, people who had injuries to the ear itself may have damage that affects their hearing.

It is also possible for concussion symptoms to continue. If symptoms persist for more than 3 months, with no signs of trauma to the ear, this could be due to postconcussive syndrome (PCS).

PCS is a collection of symptoms that persist after a mild TBI, which can includeTrusted Source tinnitus. People are more likely to get PCS if they have experienced more than one TBI or had severe symptoms.

There is no data specifically on how long it takes for tinnitus to improve in those with PCS. Generally, though, the condition improves with time. Only 10% to 15% experience symptoms for more than a year.

A 2021 articleTrusted Source emphasizes that, while it is common for people to worry about concussion symptoms becoming permanent, “recovery is the rule.” Most people get better.

That said, stress can worsen TBI symptoms. It may also affect a person’s mood or state of mind, as can tinnitus itself.

It is important to remember that most concussion symptoms improve with rest. It may take more or less time for some symptoms to fully resolve, but in most cases, they eventually do.

If a person is feeling persistently low or anxious, it is a good idea to speak with a doctor about any concerns.

Tinnitus is a common symptom following a head injury and may be a sign of concussion or a mild TBI. A doctor can determine whether this might be the cause, assess for any concerning symptoms, and give advice on how to recover.

Most TBIs get better within a few weeks, and around 90% of the symptoms are temporary. Rest, including cognitive rest, is an important part of the recovery process. For mild TBIs, a person may only need rest and OTC medications to help reduce a headache.

However, people with severe or concerning symptoms must seek emergency help. People experiencing lingering or unexplained symptoms should also speak with a doctor.