Tinnitus is a phantom sound in the ears that has no external source. There are two types of tinnitus: pulsatile, which tends to sound like a whooshing sound or be in time with your heartbeat, and non-pulsatile, which describes all other presentations of tinnitus. This post focuses specifically on pulsatile tinnitus.
How Common Is Pulsatile Tinnitus?
Of the approximately 50 million Americans who experience tinnitus, approximately 10% experience pulsatile tinnitus, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
What Are the Symptoms of Pulsatile Tinnitus?
The way pulsatile tinnitus most commonly presents is a rhythmic whooshing sound. Essentially, what you’re hearing is your heart beating.
What Are the Causes of Pulsatile Tinnitus?
Pulsatile tinnitus is caused by changes in blood flow in the blood vessels within the ears. In some cases, it is the sign of a serious underlying condition. However, having pulsatile tinnitus is not the only sign of such a condition. Some underlying causes include:
- Anemia. Anemia is a condition that can increase your blood flow, affecting your blood vessels.
- Arteriovenous malformations. This describes tangles of blood vessels that affect the connections between your veins and arteries. If this occurs in your ears, it can cause pulsatile tinnitus.
- Atherosclerosis. This condition describes plaque buildup in the arteries, narrowing them and limiting blood to the body, including the ears.
- Head trauma. Approximately half of people with traumatic head injuries develop tinnitus.
- High blood pressure. High blood pressure means there is a lot of pressure of blood against the walls of the blood vessels and can cause pulsatile tinnitus.
- Hyperthyroidism. This condition causes your heart to speed up, increasing blood flow.
- Idiopathic intracranial hypertension. This describes cerebrospinal fluid building up around the brain and putting pressure on the bleed vessels.
- Middle ear tumors. Glomus tumors, located near the parts of the ear that receive sound, contain many blood vessels that can be heard.
- Paget’s disease. This chronic bone disorder can affect the skull and cause pulsatile tinnitus.
- Sinus wall abnormalities. The sinus wall is a channel on the side of your brain that gets blood from the veins in your brain. Some conditions cause increased blood flow in the channel that can be heard.
How Is Pulsatile Tinnitus Diagnosed?
An audiologist may hold a stethoscope up to your neck and skull. If they can hear the tinnitus, it is called objective, and if they can’t, it is called subjective.
They may conduct a hearing test called tympanometry to measure the pulsing in your ears, as well as order imaging.
How Is Pulsatile Tinnitus Treated?
The best way to treat tinnitus is to address the underlying condition. If this can’t be done or doesn’t provide relief, there are other options, including:
- Wearing or playing sound generators.
- Partaking in relaxation techniques.
- Undergoing counseling.
- Getting hearing aids.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call The Hearing & Speech Center today.
