Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external noise is present, commonly manifesting as ringing or buzzing. Pulsatile tinnitus is a distinct type, characterized by rhythmic sounds that often synchronize with your heartbeat. While various conditions can cause this sensation, a common cold can sometimes play a role.
What is Pulsatile Tinnitus
Pulsatile tinnitus is a rhythmic noise heard in the head or ears, typically beating at the same rate as one’s heart. This differentiates it from other forms of tinnitus, which often involve constant ringing or buzzing sounds that are not synchronized with the pulse. You can often confirm this by feeling your pulse while listening to the sound. This sensation is frequently described as a whooshing, throbbing, or thumping sound.
Unlike other forms of tinnitus, which often lack a clear cause, pulsatile tinnitus frequently indicates a physical source. It arises from changes in blood flow or increased awareness of blood flow within vessels near the ear. These include large arteries and veins in the neck and base of the skull, as well as smaller ones within the ear itself. While often benign, it may also signal vascular or structural issues.
How a Cold Can Cause It
A common cold, an upper respiratory infection, can lead to pulsatile tinnitus through several mechanisms. Inflammation is a factor. When a cold causes inflammation in the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat, these tubes can become blocked. This blockage disrupts pressure balance in the middle ear, leading to the perception of internal sounds.
Congestion from a cold also affects the ear’s delicate structures. Fluid and air can build up in the middle ear, increasing pressure behind the eardrum. This pressure can make the ear more aware of normal blood flow through nearby vessels. Nasal and sinus congestion can also impact blood flow patterns around the jugular vein or carotid artery, making the sound of blood flow more noticeable.
Increased blood flow velocity, often associated with fever or inflammation during a cold, can also contribute. Blood flowing more quickly or turbulently through vessels can become audible. Pulsatile tinnitus due to a cold is typically temporary, usually resolving as cold symptoms, congestion, and inflammation clear up.
When to Consult a Doctor
While pulsatile tinnitus can be a temporary symptom of a common cold, medical attention is advisable in certain circumstances. If it does not resolve within a few days or weeks after your cold symptoms disappear, a doctor’s visit is warranted. Persistent ringing or buzzing sounds after a cold could indicate fluid or inflammation remains in the middle ear.
Consult a doctor if the sound is very loud, significantly impacts your daily life, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. These include hearing loss, dizziness, headaches, vision changes, or any neurological symptoms. Such symptoms could suggest a more serious condition.
Pulsatile tinnitus can sometimes be a sign of other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, or vascular malformations. While a cold can cause temporary pulsatile tinnitus, a medical professional can help rule out more serious causes. Prompt evaluation ensures proper diagnosis and treatment.