Pulsatile (pulsating) tinnitus

Whilst today pulsatile tinnitus (literally pulse-related) is understood not to be a disease in itself, it is however a symptomatic disorder and its causes therefore require medical diagnosis. Although impossible to generalize, circulatory problems of vascular or venous origin, likewise high blood pressure or the presence of cholesterol plaques, are some of the most common causes of pulsatile tinnitus. Similarly, noise pollution (in particular listening to music with earphones), earwax arising from prolonged antibiotic or diuretic therapies and head and neck injuries may also favour its onset.

Anxiety, stress and psychological shock can also give rise to phenomena of hearing the pulse or heartbeat in the ear. Indeed, anxiety can lead to a reduction of the oxygen supply in the inner ear and create pulsing, buzzing and whooshing sounds. The resulting (parasitic) sound is then detected as an alarm signal by the brain. The close relationship between pulsatile tinnitus and anxiety is a vicious circle which, although not necessarily an immediate health risk in itself, when intense and continuous, can cause insomnia, irritability and concentration disorders.

If your tinnitus is pulsating (you can hear your heartbeat in your ear) or you experience hearing loss, vertigo or dizziness, it is usually recommended you seek medical advice. You can also have a free consultation with a tinnitus specialist at Amplifon to evaluate whether you should see a doctor. 

Anxiety issues, stress and psychological shock aside, the causes of pulsatile tinnitus are usually easily treatable. By treating hypertension, atherosclerosis, benign intracranial hypertension or hyperthyroidism, a significant decrease or, indeed, complete elimination of pulsing in the ear will be noted.

Sometimes, however, surgery will be required to effectively stop pulsing in the ear. This may be a de-clogging procedure to blood flow to re-circulate or, in the case of an abnormal blood vessel, an embolization to block it off. As with all conditions potentially requiring surgery, it is strongly advised you consult an ENT specialist to correctly identify the origin of your symptoms and the best approach to treat them.

During your consultation, the ENT specialist will indicate the most appropriate course of treatment to stop the pulsing in your ear, thereby improving both your hearing and quality of life. Sound enrichment therapy, which sees the use of specific acoustic devices to produce different masking and relaxation signals through melodies and sounds chosen by the user, may also prove an effective pulsatile tinnitus treatment.

Lastly, adopting a healthy lifestyle with a diet rich in fruit and vegetables and introducing foods containing high amounts of vitamins A, B, E, zinc and magnesium, coupled with a moderate consumption of coffee, tea and alcohol, are all excellent ways to improve overall health and reduce or stop pulsing in the ear with home remedies.