Pulsatile Tinnitus - Your Quick Review

Pulsatile tinnitus is a type of tinnitus condition wherein a person keeps hearing a whooshing or pulsating sound that thumps in tune with the heart beat. This condition is also called vascular tinnitus because it is commonly caused by blood flow disruption or poor blood circulation. Pulsatile tinnitus is not very common; however, the struggles an afflicted person has to go through are quite challenging.

There are different types of pulsatile tinnitus and one of the most prevalent is a condition called arterial turbulence. This is caused by restricted flow of blood that causes crimps or plaques in the arteries along the region of head and neck. The condition can worsen when the affected person suffers from high blood pressure. When this occurs, the body experiences an increased blood flow which causes the production of turbulence sound in the ears.

This form of tinnitus is different from the continuous type of tinnitus, though some people can have both types. For those people with both types of tinnitus, the sounds produced by the pulsatile tinnitus are the most irritating. Like other forms of tinnitus, the pulsatile one is not considered a disease. It is rather a symptom caused by other underlying problems. Because this condition is related to blood flow matters, the main reason could be important and must be consulted with a doctor right away. Nevertheless, this form of tinnitus is treatable.

Other underlying health conditions that can cause pulsatile tinnitus include:

1. Arteriovenous Malformations – this condition is caused by the unequal number of veins and arteries located near the auditory nerve along the cranial cavity. The pulsation activity in the auditory nerve causes pulsating sound to be heard.

2. Atherosclerosis - the cholesterol buildup on the artery wall causes the arterial constriction. This condition causes the blood flow to be disrupted; thereby producing a pulsating sound a tinnitus sufferer can hear.

3. Benign Intracranial Hypertension - this condition occurs when the fluid that surrounds the brain experiences inflated pressure. This can lead to hearing loss that is mainly characterized by hearing beating or pulsating sound.


4. Carotid Artery-Cavernous Sinus Fistula – this condition is characterized by the joining of large veins and arteries caused mainly by massive head trauma.

5. Middle Ear Inflammation or Infection – the blood flow can elevate as a result of infection in the middle ear. The elevated blood circulation results to a pulsating or turbulent sound comparable to the turbulent sound of water flowing rapidly.

6. Hypertension – pulsatile tinnitus can be caused by taking medicines used to treat hypertension or high blood pressure. To correct this problem, the dosage of the medication may need to be lowered or the medication itself may be changed completely.

7. Glomous Tumor – also identified as vascular tumor that occurs inside or just below the ear. Surgery is often advised to correct this condition.

Once again, pulsatile tinnitus is not considered as a disease. It can also be treated. However, to prevent recurrence and to get rid of it permanently, the underlying conditions causing it must be addressed. Thus, when you experience the symptoms, make sure to consult with your doctor immediately.