Hearing a sound like blood rushing in your ears can be a distinct and unsettling experience. This sensation often presents as a whooshing, throbbing, or pulsing noise, typically synchronizing with your heartbeat. It is a symptom that frequently stems from identifiable physiological processes. Understanding this auditory phenomenon is the first step toward addressing it.
Understanding the Sound
The sound of blood rushing in the ears is medically known as pulsatile tinnitus. This differs from other, more common forms of tinnitus, which are often described as a constant ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound not linked to the heart’s rhythm. Pulsatile tinnitus, by contrast, is characterized by its rhythmic nature, beating in time with your pulse. This direct correlation with the heartbeat indicates a physical source for the sound.
The sound arises when the ear becomes aware of changes in blood flow within nearby blood vessels, such as arteries and veins in the neck, at the base of the skull, and within the ear itself. It can be the result of turbulent blood flow, increased blood volume, or a heightened perception of normal blood flow. Conditions that cause conductive hearing loss can also make internal body sounds, including blood flow, more prominent.
Potential Causes
Several conditions can lead to the sensation of blood rushing in the ears.
Vascular Issues
These conditions affect the blood vessels. Atherosclerosis, where plaque builds up and hardens arteries, can create turbulent blood flow as blood navigates narrowed passages. High blood pressure can also increase the force of blood against vessel walls, making the sound more noticeable. Abnormal blood vessels, such as arteriovenous malformations (tangles of blood vessels connecting arteries and veins) or aneurysms (weakened, bulging areas in artery walls), can alter blood flow patterns and generate audible sounds. A benign condition called venous hum can also occur when blood flow in the jugular veins is abnormal.
Ear-Related Conditions
These can contribute to this symptom by amplifying internal sounds. Fluid accumulation in the middle ear, often called “glue ear,” or Eustachian tube dysfunction can affect pressure and sound transmission. Conductive hearing loss, which impairs sound transmission from the outer or middle ear to the inner ear, can make one more sensitive to internal body noises.
Systemic Conditions
These conditions affect the body as a whole. Anemia, a condition with a reduced number of red blood cells, can lead to increased blood flow and turbulence. An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) accelerates heart rate and metabolism, increasing blood flow. Increased intracranial pressure, where cerebrospinal fluid builds up around the brain, can put pressure on blood vessels and affect blood flow. Certain medications can also have side effects that manifest as changes in blood flow perception.
When to Seek Medical Evaluation
Pulsatile tinnitus can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, some of which may be serious. Seeking professional medical assessment is important, as some causes require prompt attention to prevent complications. A healthcare professional is uniquely positioned to accurately diagnose the specific cause.
Seek medical attention if the sound appears suddenly, especially if it is only in one ear. Other accompanying symptoms that warrant an immediate doctor’s visit include dizziness, changes in vision, persistent headaches, weakness, or any other neurological symptoms. These signs could indicate a more serious underlying issue requiring urgent evaluation and treatment. Ignoring pulsatile tinnitus, particularly when accompanied by these symptoms, could delay necessary intervention.
Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches
Diagnosing the cause of pulsatile tinnitus typically begins with a detailed medical history and a thorough physical examination. During this examination, a doctor may use a stethoscope to listen to your neck and skull, which can help determine if the sound is objective. Hearing tests are often conducted to assess auditory function and rule out other ear-related issues.
To visualize blood vessels and surrounding structures, imaging studies are frequently employed. These may include Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA), Computed Tomography (CT) scans, or angiography. These advanced imaging techniques allow healthcare providers to identify abnormalities such as narrowed arteries, vascular malformations, or other structural issues causing turbulent blood flow near the ear.
Treatment for pulsatile tinnitus is always directed at addressing the underlying cause. If high blood pressure is identified, medication and lifestyle adjustments may be prescribed. For conditions like hyperthyroidism or anemia, specific medications or interventions can resolve the tinnitus. When vascular abnormalities or tumors are the culprits, surgical intervention may be necessary. If no serious underlying cause is found, management may shift to coping strategies for the sound itself, such as sound therapy or relaxation techniques. This approach is secondary to thoroughly ruling out any significant medical conditions.