A common cold or other upper respiratory infection can temporarily cause pulsatile tinnitus. This occurs because the body’s natural response to infection affects the delicate pressure system within the ear. Pulsatile tinnitus is a rhythmic sound heard in sync with the heartbeat, and it usually resolves as the underlying cold or congestion clears up.
Understanding Pulsatile Tinnitus
Pulsatile tinnitus is a distinct type of auditory perception where the sound is synchronized with the person’s pulse or heartbeat. Patients often describe the sound as a whooshing, thumping, or rhythmic pulsing within the ear. This is easily distinguishable from non-pulsatile tinnitus, which is the more common form described as a continuous ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound that has no rhythm.
This rhythmic nature suggests a vascular origin, meaning the sound is the perception of blood flow near the auditory system. Unlike standard tinnitus, which often arises from nerve damage, pulsatile tinnitus is linked to changes in the speed or turbulence of blood moving through vessels near the ear.
How Respiratory Congestion Causes the Sound
The primary mechanism linking a cold to pulsatile tinnitus involves the Eustachian tube, a narrow passage connecting the middle ear to the throat and nasal cavity. This tube regulates middle ear pressure and drains fluid. When a person has a cold, inflammation and excessive mucus cause the tissues surrounding the Eustachian tube to swell and become blocked.
This blockage leads to Eustachian tube dysfunction, preventing air from properly entering or leaving the middle ear. The resulting pressure imbalance and fluid accumulation create a conductive hearing loss, which reduces external sound dampening. This state acts like a microphone, amplifying internal body sounds.
The amplified sounds include the turbulent rush of blood through the large carotid artery and jugular vein, which run close to the middle ear structures. The inflammation also temporarily increases local blood flow. This combination of increased blood flow and the middle ear’s heightened sensitivity results in the noticeable, rhythmic whooshing of pulsatile tinnitus.
Home Management for Temporary Relief
Since temporary pulsatile tinnitus is caused by congestion, home management focuses on reducing inflammation and equalizing pressure. One simple technique is the gentle Valsalva maneuver: pinch the nose shut, close the mouth, and gently attempt to exhale to force air into the middle ear. This action can help “pop” the ears and temporarily relieve pressure, but exhale very gently to avoid damaging the eardrum.
Regular use of saline nasal sprays is recommended to flush out mucus and reduce swelling in the nasal passages and Eustachian tube opening. Simple actions like chewing gum, yawning, or repeatedly swallowing also help activate the muscles that open the Eustachian tube. For severe congestion, a short course of an over-the-counter nasal decongestant spray may be used, but limit use to two or three days to prevent rebound congestion.
Steam inhalation from a hot shower or humidifier can loosen thick mucus and soothe inflamed tissues. Staying well-hydrated is also beneficial, as it helps thin the mucus, making it easier for the body to drain and clear the congestion.
When to Consult a Doctor
Pulsatile tinnitus caused by a cold is typically temporary and resolves as the infection clears, but persistent symptoms warrant a medical consultation. If the rhythmic sound lasts for more than one or two weeks after all other cold symptoms have disappeared, seek professional medical advice. Persistent symptoms may indicate an underlying issue such as chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction, a middle ear infection, or trapped fluid.
A doctor’s visit is also necessary if the pulsatile tinnitus is accompanied by severe or concerning symptoms. These “red flags” include sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness, facial weakness, or if the sound is progressively worsening. Since pulsatile tinnitus can be a symptom of non-infectious conditions like high blood pressure or vascular abnormalities, a medical professional must rule out these serious causes if symptoms continue or become severe.