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Hearing a whooshing or blood-flow sound in your ear can be unnerving. A Quora user experienced similar discomfort and turned to the internet seeking answers. While most people are familiar with common ringing in the ears, sometimes the noise pulses in time with your heartbeat, as this person is experiencing. So what exactly is happening?
Dr Vinayak Kurle, Consultant – ENT at Aster RV Hospital, Bangalore, explains that it is a rare case of pulsatile tinnitus, which can affect one or both ears. “Pulsatile tinnitus is a rare form of tinnitus. It causes noise in your head that no one else hears. The noise may be a constant whooshing, rushing, or thumping in time with your heartbeat,” he tells indianexpress.com.
Often, it occurs when the ear is partially blocked by wax, fluid, or a mild infection. Reduced external noise makes internal vascular sounds more noticeable, typically blood pulsing faster than usual through the veins and arteries near the ears.
Several medical conditions can also trigger this heartbeat-like sound. “High blood pressure, anaemia, thyroid imbalance, atherosclerosis, and vascular changes near the ear can all increase blood flow turbulence and cause an audible pulse,” Dr Kurle notes, while adding that raised brain pressure, known as “idiopathic intracranial hypertension,” is also an important cause.
While many cases are benign, certain signs warrant urgent attention. Dr Kurle notes, “It is serious when the sound is constant, starts suddenly, and is only in one ear. If it is associated with headaches, vision changes, dizziness, hearing loss, or neurological symptoms, you should seek medical care immediately. Progressive worsening or a loud, continuous pulse should never be ignored.”
Diagnosing the cause of pulsatile tinnitus usually starts with a careful ear examination and hearing tests. Imaging, such as MRI or CT scans, may be recommended to assess ear structures and nearby blood vessels. In some cases, a carotid Doppler ultrasound or an eye exam to check for raised intracranial pressure may also be advised.
Treatment depends on the underlying reason. “Clearing earwax or treating an infection often resolves symptoms,” Dr Kurle says. “If systemic issues are responsible, controlling blood pressure or correcting anaemia may help. Vascular abnormalities may require specialised medical or surgical treatment.” When no serious cause is identified, patients may benefit from reassurance and therapies like sound therapy or tinnitus retraining, which help reduce the brain’s focus on the noise.
For anyone experiencing this rushing sound, early evaluation is key. Pulsatile tinnitus may be rare, but understanding its causes and timely management can prevent complications and provide peace of mind.
