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If you've ever experienced the sensation of hearing your heartbeat in your ear, you’re not alone. This phenomenon, known as pulsatile tinnitus, is often harmless. However, it can also be a symptom of an underlying condition that may require medical attention.

In this blog, we’ll explore what can cause the “heartbeat in ear” sensation, when to seek help, how it’s diagnosed, and what treatment options are available.

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Heartbeat in Ear

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Understanding Pulsatile Tinnitus

Unlike regular tinnitus, which typically involves a constant ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears, pulsatile tinnitus is rhythmic and syncs up with your heartbeat. This happens because you’re actually hearing the blood flowing.

Why Do I Hear My Heartbeat In My Ear?

Let’s look at a few factors that can contribute to hearing your heartbeat in your ear:

1. Increased Blood Flow

  • Exercise or Stress. Physical activity or stress can temporarily increase blood flow, making the sound more noticeable.
  • Pregnancy. Hormonal changes and increased blood volume during pregnancy can also cause pulsatile tinnitus.

2. Issues with Blood Vessels

  • Arterial Narrowing (Atherosclerosis). If your arteries become narrowed or blocked, it can create turbulent blood flow, resulting in pulsatile tinnitus.
  • Carotid Artery Disease. The carotid arteries, located on either side of your neck, supply blood to your brain. Narrowing or abnormalities in these arteries can sometimes cause this sound.

Read about the connection between heart health and hearing loss. 

3. Middle or Inner Ear Conditions

  • Ear Infections. Inflammation or fluid buildup can amplify the perception of internal sounds like your heartbeat.
  • Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. When the Eustachian tube (which connects your middle ear to the back of your throat) doesn’t function properly, it can lead to unusual auditory sensations.

4. High Blood Pressure

Elevated blood pressure forces your blood to flow more vigorously, which can make a heartbeat in your ear more noticeable.

5. Tumors or Abnormal Growths (Rare)

Rarely, benign tumors like a glomus tumor or other growths near the ear or base of the skull can cause pulsatile tinnitus by compressing blood vessels.

Should I Seek Help?

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While pulsatile tinnitus is often benign, we recommend consulting a healthcare professional, especially if you experience persistent or worsening symptoms or if they are accompanied by dizziness, vision changes, or neurological issues.

 

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How Is Pulsatile Tinnitus Diagnosed?

The diagnostic process typically begins with a detailed review of your medical history and a comprehensive examination of your head and neck. Your healthcare provider may check your eyes for signs of increased pressure in the brain and perform hearing tests to evaluate auditory function.

Depending on the results, imaging studies like an ultrasound, MRI or CT scan may be used to examine blood vessels and ear structures.

In about one-third of cases, the source of pulsatile tinnitus may remain undetermined. However, a thorough evaluation is still critical to exclude potentially serious and life-threatening causes.

Early evaluation and diagnosis can help address the cause of the sensation and provide a path toward effective treatment.

How to Stop Pulsing in Ear: Treatment Options

After a thorough evaluation, the tinnitus may persist. For many people, this pulsing often goes away on its own over time. However, if it doesn’t, treatment depends on the underlying cause of your pulsatile tinnitus:

  • Lifestyle Adjustments. Managing stress, improving sleep, and reducing caffeine or salt intake can sometimes help alleviate symptoms.
  • Medical Interventions. Medications, such as those for high blood pressure or ear infections, may be prescribed by your health care provider.
  • Surgical Solutions. Rarely, surgery may be necessary to address vascular abnormalities or tumors.

Your Hearing Health Deserves Your Attention

We understand how critical your hearing health is to your overall well-being. If you’re experiencing unusual auditory symptoms, including hearing your heartbeat in your ear, we encourage you to talk to a healthcare professional. They can guide you toward a personalized solution that uncovers potential underlying causes and enhances your quality of life.

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