040 68334455
WhatsApp
Patient Portal
Home Care
What is Pulsatile Tinnitus?
Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Sampurna Ghosh , ENT
Pulsatile tinnitus is a rhythmic sound in the ear that pulses in sync with your heartbeat. Unlike typical ringing tinnitus, this form sounds like a thumping, swooshing, or whooshing noise, often caused by changes in blood flow near the ear.
It may be constant or occasional and usually affects one ear. This condition is often associated with vascular issues, including high blood pressure, narrowed arteries, or abnormal blood vessels.
Because pulsatile tinnitus may signal an underlying health problem, it's essential to seek medical evaluation. With the correct diagnosis, many causes can be effectively treated or managed.
How does Pulsatile Tinnitus affect my body?
Pulsatile tinnitus can disrupt sleep, affect concentration, and increase stress or anxiety. Although not harmful, it may reduce the quality of life and signal underlying issues, such as high blood pressure or vascular problems, which require medical evaluation and treatment.
What are the Types of Pulsatile Tinnitus?
Pulsatile tinnitus can be categorized based on its causes and symptoms:
Objective Pulsatile Tinnitus
This type can be heard by both the patient and the doctor through a stethoscope. It's often due to vascular issues or abnormal blood flow.
Subjective Pulsatile Tinnitus
This type is only heard by the patient and is often linked to issues within the ear itself or nearby blood vessels.
Is pulsatile tinnitus a common problem?
Pulsatile tinnitus is less common than regular tinnitus. While general tinnitus affects approximately 10-15% of people, pulsatile tinnitus occurs in a smaller percentage, often associated with underlying vascular or structural issues.
Because it may signal a treatable condition, it's essential to seek medical advice if you hear a pulsing sound in your ear.
What are the Symptoms of Pulsatile Tinnitus?
Pulsatile tinnitus presents with symptoms that vary in intensity and severity. While many people experience mild, manageable symptoms, others may face more serious disruptions to daily life.
Common Symptoms
- Rhythmic thumping or whooshing sound in one or both ears
- Sound that matches the heartbeat or pulse
- Increased intensity when lying down or exercising
- Distraction or difficulty concentrating in quiet settings
- Only you can hear the sound (subjective tinnitus)
Severe or Concerning Symptoms
- Persistent, loud pulsing that interferes with sleep or daily activities
- Hearing loss in the affected ear
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Headaches or visual disturbances
- Pulsatile sound in sync with strong neck or head pressure
If you experience severe symptoms that may indicate an underlying vascular or neurological condition, prompt medical evaluation is essential.
What are the Causes of Pulsatile Tinnitus?
Understanding the cause of pulsatile tinnitus is crucial for effective treatment. Here are some common causes:
Vascular Issues
One of the most common causes of pulsatile tinnitus is abnormal blood flow in the vessels near your ear. This can be due to:
- Atherosclerosis: Hardening of the arteries can restrict blood flow, causing turbulence that results in a pulsing sound.
- High Blood Pressure: Increased blood pressure can amplify the sound of blood flow in your ears.
- Aneurysms: An abnormal bulge in a blood vessel can create turbulent blood flow.
Structural Problems
Sometimes, structural issues in the ear or nearby areas can cause pulsatile tinnitus:
- Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: When this tube doesn't open and close properly, it can cause abnormal pressure and sound.
- Middle Ear Effusion: Fluid buildup in the middle ear can cause pulsatile sounds.
Tumors
Certain types of tumours, such as glomus tumours, can press against blood vessels, creating a pulsatile sound.
Other Causes
Other conditions that can lead to pulsatile tinnitus include:
- Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid can increase blood flow, leading to pulsatile tinnitus.
- Anemia: Low red blood cell count can cause changes in blood flow that result in a pulsing sound.
Get a second opinion from trusted experts and makeconfident, informed decisions.
Get Second OpinionHow Is Pulsatile Tinnitus Diagnosed?
Diagnosing pulsatile tinnitus involves identifying the underlying cause of the rhythmic sound. Because it may be linked to vascular or structural issues, a detailed evaluation is essential.
Diagnosis Typically Includes
- Medical History and Symptom Review: Your doctor will ask about the nature, duration, and triggers of the sound, as well as whether it's heard in one or both ears.
- Physical Examination: A stethoscope may be used to check for sounds near your neck or skull (objective tinnitus).
- Hearing Tests (Audiometry): To assess any hearing loss or ear-related abnormalities.
- Imaging Tests:
- MRI or CT scan to check for blood vessel malformations, tumors, or other structural issues.
- MRA or CTA (angiography) specialized scans to view blood flow and detect vascular causes.
- Ultrasound or Doppler studies may be performed to examine blood flow in the neck arteries and veins.
Accurate diagnosis helps guide appropriate treatment and rule out severe underlying conditions.
What are the Treatment Options for Pulsatile Tinnitus?
The treatment for pulsatile tinnitus focuses on addressing the underlying cause of the condition. Because it's often linked to blood flow or vascular issues, proper diagnosis is crucial for selecting the right approach.
Treating Underlying Conditions
- High blood pressure is managed with lifestyle changes and medication
- Vascular malformations or aneurysms may require surgical correction or intervention
- Tumors (e.g., glomus tumors) are often treated with surgery or radiation
- Middle ear infections or fluid buildup are treated with antibiotics or drainage
Lifestyle & Symptom Relief
- Stress reduction yoga, meditation, and counselling can help lower the perception of noise
- Sound therapy using white noise machines or soft background music to mask the pulsing
- Avoiding triggers like caffeine, loud noise, and heavy exertion
Medical or Surgical Options
- Vascular surgery or stenting: If a narrowed artery or vein is causing the sound
- Hearing aids with masking features: In cases of coexisting hearing loss
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): To manage the emotional impact of chronic tinnitus
With the proper treatment, many people experience significant relief or complete resolution of their symptoms.
When to See a Doctor for Pulsatile Tinnitus?
You should see a doctor if you notice a rhythmic pulsing or whooshing sound in one or both ears, especially if it matches your heartbeat. While it may seem harmless, pulsatile tinnitus can be a sign of an underlying condition that needs medical attention.
See a doctor if:
- The pulsing sound is persistent or getting louder
- It's heard in only one ear
- You also experience headaches, dizziness, or vision changes
- There's a hearing loss or a feeling of fullness in the ear
- Do you have high blood pressure or known vascular issues
Early evaluation can help identify the cause and prevent complications, especially if a vascular or neurological issue is causing the tinnitus.
Your health is everything - prioritize your well-being today.
Consult Pulsatile Tinnitus Doctors Today
How to Prevent Pulsatile Tinnitus?
While not all causes of pulsatile tinnitus are preventable, certain habits can reduce your risk or help manage symptoms early:
- Manage blood pressure: Keep hypertension under control through a combination of medication, exercise, and a healthy diet.
- Protect your hearing: Avoid prolonged exposure to loud noises.
- Stay physically active: Promotes healthy blood flow and reduces vascular risks.
- Avoid smoking and excess caffeine: Both can affect circulation and worsen symptoms.
- Treat ear infections promptly to prevent fluid buildup and chronic inflammation.
- Regular health checkups: Can catch vascular or neurological issues before they worsen.
What are the Complications of Pulsatile Tinnitus?
If left untreated, pulsatile tinnitus can lead to:
- Chronic sleep disturbances due to the constant noise
- Anxiety, depression, or irritability from persistent discomfort
- Reduced concentration or memory issues
- Worsening hearing loss, if associated with an untreated ear condition
- Progression of underlying conditions, like aneurysms or tumors, if undiagnosed
Early medical attention helps avoid these complications and improves quality of life.
Our Experience Treating Pulsatile Tinnitus
At Medicover Hospitals, we approach pulsatile tinnitus with a combination of clinical expertise and compassionate care. Our ENT specialists and neurologists work together to identify the underlying cause through advanced imaging and diagnostic tools, including MRI, CT angiography, and Doppler studies.
We tailor each treatment plan to the individual, whether it's managing high blood pressure, treating an ear infection, or addressing a vascular abnormality. Our goal is not just to relieve the sound but to resolve the root cause. With a focus on early diagnosis, clear communication, and long-term support, we've helped many patients find lasting relief and peace of mind.
