Pulsatile Tinnitus

Pulsatile tinnitus is also known as objective tinnitus because it can be heard by others with the help of an equipment like stethoscope. The ear noise usually associated with are a low-pitched thumping or booming sound and a high-pitched clicking noise that beat in rhythmically with the heart.

Generally, pulsatile tinnitus takes place when there are changes in blood flow in the blood vessels near the ear. One of the reasons why you develop an increase in the blood flow in your body is exercising strenuously. Another reason why is the hardening of the arteries as this narrows the blood vessels, thus preventing blood from flowing smoothly.

What usually happens if that when your blood vessel is narrower than what its normal size should be, a localized increase in blood flow takes place. The vessels near it will then have to carry extra blood, and this extra flow generates noise.

The medical conditions that cause this type of tinitus include:

A. carotid artery-cavernous sinus fistula, which takes place when there is an abnormal connection between a very large artery and a very large venous pool within the the cranial cavity;

B. arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), which are abnormal collections of arteries and veins that at times take place within the cranial cavity near the auditory nerve;

C. venous hum, which often affects those who are pregnant, anemic, and those who have thyroid problems;

D. middle ear fluid, which arises when fluid accumulates behind the middle ear because of some infection, inflammation or Eustachian tube dysfunction; and

E. vascular tumors in the middle ear, which are also known as glomous tumors or paragangliomas;

In order to determine what caused this ear noise that beats in time with the heart, certain tests are conducted. These include ultrasound, CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA).

It is easier to treat pulsatile tinnitus if the root cause is determined because its treatment is generally dependent on what caused it. If the cause, for instance, is a blocked or narrowed arteries, then surgery may have to be done. Or, if the cause is hypertension, then medication is usually recommended. You are also advised to take efforts to lower your blood's cholesterol level.

Take note that other treatments should be used together with the main treatment, especially the ones that help you manage stress. These include treatments like counseling, biofeedback, hypnotherapy, meditation, and relaxation therapy.