Most ringing in the ears (tinnitus) that comes and goes (intermittent) is not serious and clears up without medical treatment. Home treatment may decrease the number and severity of ringing episodes. Tinnitus that does not go away despite home treatment may be caused by hearing loss.

Tinnitus accompanied by the sudden onset of vertigo and hearing loss may indicate a problem that requires a visit to a health professional. Possible problems include:

• Stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
• Ménière's disease.
• Labyrinthitis.

Tinnitus may occur if you are involved in a motor vehicle accident in which an air bag deployed. This type of tinnitus is not usually serious and, although it may take several weeks, usually goes away on its own.