Although most people suffering from tinnitus usually refer to the sounds they perceive as beeps, buzzes or whistles, there is a type of tinnitus in which the person hears heartbeats; it is about the palpitations of your heart. Precisely pulsatile refers to the pulse.
Many of us have experienced that feeling at some point, usually after doing an activity in which we have forced the heart either voluntarily (a race to reach the bus, the climb of stairs …) or involuntary (a fright, a stress situation …). However, when the heart recovers its usual palpitations, we stop listening to its beats.
There are a few people (3% of those who suffer from tinnitus) who hear these palpitations continuously throughout the day.
Causes of Pulsatile Tinnitus
1. Blood Vessels
Blood vessels around the inner ear when gets pinched, generates a sound which is beyond the diagnostic capabilities of doctors.
2. Hypertension
The people with hypertension suffer generally tinnitus or pulsatile tinnitus. If the disease is detected in time, it can be treated with pills of various types; the rhythmic sounds will disappear at a certain time (if you are trying).
3. Atherosclerosis
People do not take care of diet; their veins accumulate fat or cholesterol. When the arteries get swollen, there may be turbulence in the blood flow, causing reactions of various kinds, such as Pulsatile Tinnitus.
4. Hum Venosa
This condition occurs in anemic people, pregnant women and people with thyroid problems. Blood flow is increased, and for that reason, pulsating sounds are formed. Improvement with treatment or after delivery.
5. Glomus Tumor
Glomus tumor is a rare type of tumor that appears in the vascular system, just below the ear or inside it. If it is detected early, with a small surgery the problem can be eliminated.
6. Auditory Arterial Malformation
It is the rarest disease on the list. Pulsatile Tinnitus will occur when the arteries of our ear have malformations.
7. Eustachian Tube
Sometimes Increased blood flow damages the delicate tissue in the ear that causes a patchy Eustachian tube. When this happens the person can hear their own voice, breathing and the heartbeat that vibrates directly in the eardrum.
8. Infection
An inflammation of the sinuses due to allergies or virus infections. If a person takes more than the prescribed dose of antibiotics, which thickens the mucous membrane in the inner ear that must be purged, otherwise the person may suffer the consequences of a pulsing sound.
9. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism also causes pulsatile tinnitus, as it causes the heart to beat faster by making a pulsating noise. Other causes are diabetes, hypertension, excessive stress in a person’s daily life, lack of rest and exercise.
10. Twisted Arteries
Twisted arteries in the neck and head can cause turbulence in the blood flow leading to pulsating sound. It generally goes away after some time.
You must understand that pulsatile Tinnitus is a common disorder for many people, especially among the elderly. This condition can be prevented and there are treatments available.
A person suffering from pulsatile tinnitus should be examined by an otolaryngologist to fix the point of possible cause of the disease. The doctor will be able to hear the pulsating sound in and around the ear with a stethoscope or through a tiny electronic microphone that is placed inside the ear canal called Ausculscope.
