A common experience is perceiving a rhythmic thumping or whooshing sound in one’s ears, often aligning with the heartbeat. This can range from fleeting awareness in quiet moments to persistent noise. While it often proves harmless, understanding the underlying mechanisms that lead to this perception can provide clarity and peace of mind.
What is Pulsatile Tinnitus?
The medical term for hearing one’s heartbeat or a similar rhythmic sound in the ear is pulsatile tinnitus. This condition is distinct from other forms of tinnitus, which typically involve a constant ringing, buzzing, or hissing noise. Unlike other forms, pulsatile tinnitus synchronizes with the heart’s rhythm, often described as a whooshing, throbbing, or thumping sound. This means the sound has a physical source within the body, specifically related to blood flow.
The ear perceives sound through vibrations, and in cases of pulsatile tinnitus, these vibrations originate from blood moving through vessels located near or within the ear. The auditory system becomes aware of changes in blood flow in these vessels. This can happen when blood flow intensifies or when there are changes in the structure of the blood vessels, making the normal sounds of circulation more noticeable.
Common Explanations for the Sound
Many instances of hearing one’s heartbeat in the ear stem from common and generally benign reasons. One frequent scenario involves a heightened awareness of internal bodily sounds in quiet environments, such as when lying down in bed at night. With fewer external sounds to mask internal noises, the subtle sounds of blood flow can become more apparent.
Temporary changes in blood pressure or flow can also lead to this sensation. For example, after strenuous exercise, during periods of stress, or following caffeine consumption, blood flow can increase or become more turbulent, making it more audible. Obstructions within the ear canal, such as earwax buildup, can also contribute to the perception of pulsatile tinnitus. A blockage can trap sounds, making internal noises, including blood flow, resonate more clearly within the ear. Similarly, fluid in the middle ear or minor ear infections can alter sound conduction, leading to a temporary awareness of one’s heartbeat.
When the Sound Signals Something More
While often harmless, pulsatile tinnitus can sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition that warrants attention. Vascular issues are a frequent cause, as changes in blood vessels near the ear can create turbulent or louder blood flow. Conditions like atherosclerosis, which involves the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup, can cause blood to flow unevenly and produce a whooshing sound. High blood pressure (hypertension) can also increase the force of blood against vessel walls, making blood flow sounds more pronounced.
Specific vascular malformations, such as arteriovenous malformations (abnormal connections between arteries and veins), can lead to turbulent blood flow that is audible. In some cases, narrowing of large veins in the brain or neck, like the transverse sinuses or jugular veins, can also produce this rhythmic sound. Less common but significant causes include certain inner ear conditions, such as thinning bone over the superior semicircular canal, which can make internal sounds more perceptible.
Systemic conditions affecting overall blood flow can also manifest as pulsatile tinnitus. Anemia, particularly iron-deficiency anemia, can cause the heart to work harder to deliver oxygen, increasing blood flow velocity and making it more audible. Similarly, an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) can speed up the heart rate and increase blood flow, leading to perceived pulsatile sounds. Rarely, benign tumors in the head or neck near the ear, such as glomus tumors, can press on blood vessels or be highly vascular themselves, contributing to the sound.
What to Do About It
For temporary pulsatile tinnitus linked to benign factors like quiet environments, exercise, or stress, simple self-care measures can be helpful. Reducing caffeine intake, managing stress through relaxation techniques, and addressing earwax buildup are practical steps. Sometimes, simply having background noise, such as a fan or white noise machine, can help mask the sound, especially at night.
However, it is important to seek professional medical attention if the sound is persistent, worsening, or accompanied by other symptoms. Symptoms such as dizziness, hearing loss, pain, headaches, or vision problems alongside pulsatile tinnitus should prompt a doctor’s visit. A healthcare provider can conduct an evaluation, which may involve a physical examination, hearing tests, and imaging studies (e.g., MRI or CT scans), to identify any underlying medical conditions.
The treatment for pulsatile tinnitus often involves addressing the root cause. If high blood pressure is identified, lifestyle changes or medication may be recommended to manage it. For conditions like anemia, iron supplements or other appropriate treatments can help normalize blood flow. A doctor can determine the most suitable course of action, focusing on treating the underlying condition to alleviate the sound.