Pulsatile Tinnitus

There are different kinds of tinnitus. Some differ in the way they sound and also in the way they are caused and treated. One of the not so common types is Pulsatile tinnitus.

From the name itself, pulsatile tinnitus differs in a way that the sound you can hear in your ear is that of a beating or a pulsing sound. Instead of the usual ringing sound, you have that sensation of being able to hear your heart beating.

Fortunately, a rather wide range of this kind of tinnitus can be cured or treated. Once the main cause is figured out, the corresponding treatment for tinnitus can then in turn cure the tinnitus.
There are many possible causes of this kind of ear ringing. Among them is hypertension, heart murmur, glomus tumor, Eustachian tube disorder or abnormality of a vein or artery. As you may have noticed, all of which have something to do with the heart or the amount of blood flow in your body.

Most of the time, this kind of tinnitus occurs when there is ear infection. Once your ear gets irritated and is suffering from infection, then the inner ear inflames. The inner ear is usually filled with air. But once inflamed, the Eustachian tube malfunctions. Certain veins that are located near your ear or on your neck are then situated closer to your auditory nerve. Together with the inflammation and increased blood flow, you will then get to experience hearing your pulse or the rush of the flow of your blood.

Medications that treat the ear infection help eliminate the inflammation which then in turn lessens the pulsating ear ringing.

Be conscious that our auditory nerves are probably the most sensitive and delicate parts of our body. Thus it is important that delicate care should be considered in treating pulsatile tinnitus and any other ear disorder. Consult your physician or ENT for further information.