The sensation of hearing one’s heartbeat in the ears, though sometimes unsettling, is a common experience that is often not a sign of serious health issues. This phenomenon, while occasionally alarming, can stem from various factors, many of which are benign. Understanding the nature of this internal sound can help differentiate between typical occurrences and situations that might warrant medical attention.
Understanding the Sensation
The medical term for hearing one’s own heartbeat or blood flow in the ears is pulsatile tinnitus. Unlike other forms of tinnitus, which involve constant ringing or buzzing, pulsatile tinnitus sounds are rhythmic and synchronize with the heartbeat, often described as a thumping, whooshing, or throbbing noise.
This sensation arises from the close proximity of blood vessels to the ear structures. The ear is highly sensitive to changes in blood flow, and when blood moves through arteries and veins near the ear, these sounds can become audible. Factors that alter blood flow or enhance the ear’s ability to perceive these internal sounds can make the heartbeat noticeable, even when no external sound is present.
Common Reasons for Hearing Your Heartbeat
Many factors contribute to hearing your heartbeat, including common physiological responses. An increase in blood flow, similar to a noisier river at rapids, makes internal sounds more noticeable. This occurs during strenuous exercise or anxiety, as the heart works harder. Pregnancy also frequently leads to increased blood volume and hormonal changes, which can result in pulsatile tinnitus.
Temporary conditions affecting the ear can also amplify the perception of internal sounds. Earwax buildup, for example, can obstruct the ear canal, creating a blockage that makes the sounds of blood flow more pronounced. Similarly, fluid accumulation in the middle ear, such as from an ear infection or Eustachian tube dysfunction, can cause a sensation of fullness and make the heartbeat audible. Sinus congestion, by blocking the Eustachian tube and altering pressure in the middle ear, can also contribute to this rhythmic sound.
Less common health conditions can also play a role. Mild anemia, especially iron deficiency anemia, can lead to pulsatile tinnitus because the heart pumps harder to deliver oxygen. This increased workload can become audible. An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) can also speed up the heart, increasing blood flow and potentially causing pulsatile tinnitus.
When to Consult a Medical Professional
While often benign, hearing your heartbeat in your ears can sometimes indicate an underlying condition requiring medical evaluation. Seek medical advice if the pulsatile tinnitus is persistent, worsens over time, or is experienced only in one ear, as unilateral symptoms may suggest a localized issue.
Consulting a doctor is also advisable if the sound is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. These can include dizziness or balance problems, changes in vision, persistent headaches, or ear pain. Such associated symptoms might point to conditions that require prompt attention and ruling out serious underlying causes.
How Medical Professionals Investigate
When a medical professional investigates pulsatile tinnitus, the process typically begins with a thorough review of the patient’s medical history and a physical examination. This includes listening to the neck and head with a stethoscope to determine if the sound is objective, meaning the doctor can also hear it, or subjective, heard only by the patient. This initial assessment helps narrow down potential causes.
Depending on the findings, further diagnostic tests may be recommended. Blood pressure checks are routine, as high blood pressure can contribute to the sensation. Blood tests may be conducted to check for conditions such as anemia or thyroid dysfunction. If the cause remains unclear or a more serious condition is suspected, imaging studies like MRI, MRA, CT, or CTA may be used to visualize blood vessels and structures in the head and neck to identify any abnormalities.