What is it like to have pulsatile tinnitus? Imagine sitting in a quiet room and then hearing a strange unusual sound as though you are hearing a repetitive whooshing or thumping noise – almost like hearing your own heartbeat? Pulsatile tinnitus is a form of tinnitus that occurs when the sound heard is synchronised with the individual’s pulse.
Tinnitus itself is usually described as a constant noise such as ringing or buzzing in the ears. Pulsatile tinnitus is unusual in that it is only heard in one or both of the ears and can occur in the form of a rhythmic whooshing or thumping. It can point to changes in blood flow or blood vessels nearby.
But the concerning question is, “is it dangerous?” Well, that really depends. Some forms of pulsatile tinnitus are completely temporary and not serious at all, while in other cases it can be a sign that there is an underlying condition.
In some situations, the case may need to be referred to a specialist to check that it is not indicative of anything more serious. Figuring out what is causing the rhythmic sound is important in deciding whether you should sit it out or rush to the ER.
Is Pulsatile Tinnitus Dangerous?
The risk to your health or hearing from pulsatile tinnitus will depend upon the cause of your symptoms. Generally these causes can be divided into three categories: non significant, moderately concerning, or potentially serious.
The only way to determine which category applies to you is to have a full medical examination. If you’re wondering “is pulsatile tinnitus common?”, know that this kind of tinnitus that sounds like a pulse is less common than regular tinnitus, but it is still not rare.
✅ Harmless / Temporary Causes
Sometimes the ear heartbeat sound meaning is nothing more than temporary disruption in the physical environment surrounding the ear. Such changes usually cause no clinical significance.
Earwax buildup: The patient often has excess wax in the ear canal. This excess wax causes the outside sound to be muffled and makes the patient aware of internal noises. Once the excess wax is removed, the thumping is immediately resolved.
Middle ear infections: Middle ear infections are caused by a buildup of fluid or inflammation in the middle ear. It changes how sound is conducted. The fluid and inflammation are usually cleared as the infection resolves and the pulsing typically resolves as well.
Temporary changes from exercise, stress: Your pulse may feel louder in the ear following vigorous exercise or periods of acute stress due to the increase in circulation that may take some time to return to normal. But the symptoms usually fade as your body settles.
These cases will probably resolve on their own and will not require a lot of medical action. But as with any condition, it is always a good idea to get it confirmed by a doctor.
⚠️ Moderately Concerning Causes
Some of the reasons for a pulsating sound in the ear are not threatening to one’s health, while others require a diagnosis. If a condition is not treated, it may progress and cause further health issues.
Pulsatile tinnitus caused by high blood pressure: High blood pressure increases the force of blood flowing through the vessels near your ear. This is a common cause of pulsatile tinnitus and can be treated with diet and exercise or with medication.
Anemia: By looking at the red blood cell count, doctors can determine if the patient is suffering from anemia. Low red blood cell counts can cause the blood to flow more forcefully to compensate. This can cause pulsating to be audible near the ear. The tinnitus will typically cease once the anemia is corrected.
Thyroid disorders: Thyroid disorders affect the thyroid gland and have been linked to pulsatile tinnitus caused by an increased metabolism and blood flow. Tinnitus caused by an overactive thyroid has been shown to be relieved through regulation of thyroid gland function.
These conditions are treatable and can be managed if diagnosed. Do not ignore a persistent rhythmic sound; diagnosis leads to early treatment options.
🚨 Potentially Serious Causes
A smaller proportion of pulsatile tinnitus cases point to serious structural or vascular problems.
Whether you are experiencing pulsatile tinnitus in left ear only or pulsatile tinnitus in right ear only, one-sided tinnitus due to any of the causes listed below is a medical emergency and you must see an ENT specialist in Patna first and then they can formulate your treatment plan based on the cause.
Vascular abnormalities (AV malformation, carotid artery disease): Abnormal connections between the arteries and veins or narrowing of the carotid arteries can cause an alteration in blood flow within the vessels leading to turbulent blood flow that the ear picks up on. An imaging study will likely be required. Evaluation and management will need to be done by a vascular specialist or a neurosurgeon.
Tumors (glomus tumor): A glomus tumor in the ear or skull base can be described as a benign growth. Because of their location, the tumor can affect the blood vessels in the area causing the sensation of a pulsating sound. Glomus tumors can be treated with surgery or radiation. If found early, they have a good cure rate.
Intracranial pressure issues: An increase in pressure within the skull such as in idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) can cause changes in the blood flow near the brain and can produce a pulsatile sound, which needs to be evaluated urgently by a doctor.
It is generally thought to be important to diagnose major causes of the problem as early as possible. The earlier such a cause is found, the greater the chance of a full recovery.
When to Be Concerned About Pulsatile Tinnitus?
Knowing when to worry about tinnitus is highly variable. Is pulsatile tinnitus constant in your case, or does it come and go?
If you have intermittent pulsatile tinnitus in one ear, it may not be as concerning as constant pulsatile tinnitus, but both should not be ignored if it persists. There are some red flags that are important to have addressed by a doctor within the week if you suspect you have pulsatile tinnitus.
Red Flag Symptoms:
- Sound only in one ear
- Sudden onset with no obvious cause
- Associated dizziness, changes in vision, or persistent headaches
- Sound that syncs constantly with every heartbeat
If any of the above apply to you, there is no time to waste and you must consult the best ENT doctor in Patna, Dr. Manish Kumar, MBBS, MS – ENT for a proper clinical evaluation and investigations to confirm the diagnosis.
This condition should not be neglected in the hope that it will recover by itself, as it can lead to permanent damage and a much more complicated treatment course in the future.
Your symptoms may turn out to be nothing to worry about, but to be on the safe side, it’s always best to have them checked out by a doctor.
Diagnosis & When to See a Doctor
Pulsatile tinnitus diagnosis starts with a basic evaluation of the ears including the evaluation of the earwax, presence of infection, or any other obvious issue.
A hearing test is also performed to rule out hearing loss. However, if there is a vascular or structural cause suspected, a CT scan, an MRI or Doppler ultrasound will need to be ordered in order to provide more information about the blood vessels and structures that lie close to the ear.
The diagnostic process depends on the medical history and the extent of your symptoms. The diagnostic procedure is usually carried out in an orderly fashion in order to determine which diagnostic tools are most effective in your case.
Simply having the access to a specialist who can evaluate and diagnose the cause of your pulsatile tinnitus is vastly more effective and will yield a much faster outcome for pulsatile tinnitus treatment.
When to Seek Medical Help?
Usually, an occasional episode is not a reason for immediate consultation or panic. There are, however, some symptoms you need to pay attention to. Do not wait to see a doctor if you notice any of the following:
- Symptoms that persist for more than a few days
- Worsening intensity over time
- Neurological symptoms such as confusion, facial numbness, or sudden weakness
Whether your pulsatile tinnitus is due to vascular, neurological, or any structural ear related cause, Big Apollo Spectra Hospital in Patna has a highly experienced team of ENT specialists and the best neurologist in Patna. So, no need to run from one clinic to the other for consultations and investigations.
The sooner you can get the specialist involved, the sooner you will move from a stage of not knowing what is wrong with you to a stage of knowing and a clear diagnosis.
Find Out If Your Tinnitus Needs Attention
Although pulsatile tinnitus is not necessarily a sign of a serious condition, it is not advisable to ignore or dismiss the symptoms and consider them as insignificant especially in the case of persistent symptoms and especially if the pulsation is accompanied by other symptoms.
The causes of the condition can be treated provided that a correct diagnosis is made and an early diagnosis will prevent further complications.
Rather than self-educating by reading on the internet about the possible causes of the condition, it is highly recommended to get a professional medical opinion and to discuss any concerns that the patient may have in a clinical environment.
The body should be listened to and any changes should be taken seriously. So, if you are experiencing pulsatile tinnitus, visit Big Apollo Spectra to see one of our ear or neurologist specialists today! Early management and treatment will guarantee a smooth and assured recovery.
