Hearing one’s own heartbeat within the ear is a distinct symptom often linked to changes in the ear’s delicate structures. This sensation, medically termed pulsatile tinnitus, commonly occurs when an ear infection affects the middle or outer ear. It signifies an alteration in how sound is perceived, making the normal flow of blood audible. This phenomenon, while often temporary, can be a noticeable aspect of an ear infection.
Why You Hear Your Heartbeat in Your Ear
Pulsatile tinnitus occurs when the normal sound of blood moving through vessels near the ear becomes amplified and audible. An ear infection often causes inflammation and fluid accumulation within the ear, which can alter the way sound travels. This increased pressure and swelling within the confined spaces of the ear can make blood flow in nearby arteries and veins more noticeable. The Eustachian tube normally regulates air pressure within the ear. When an infection causes this tube to become blocked or dysfunctional, the pressure imbalance can further contribute to the amplification of internal body sounds, including the heartbeat.
The presence of fluid, known as an effusion, in the middle ear acts as a conductive medium, enhancing the transmission of these sounds to the eardrum. This fluid can reduce the eardrum’s normal dampening effect, allowing the pulsating sound of blood to resonate more clearly. The body’s own circulatory sounds are constantly present, but under normal conditions, the ear’s structure and pressure balance prevent them from being consciously perceived. An ear infection disrupts this balance, making an otherwise inaudible physiological process suddenly apparent.
Ear Infection Types That Cause This Sensation
The sensation of hearing one’s heartbeat is most frequently associated with middle ear infections (otitis media). In this condition, inflammation and fluid buildup behind the eardrum directly impact the pressure within the middle ear cavity. The presence of this fluid, which can be thick and purulent, impairs the eardrum’s ability to vibrate normally and can transmit the pulsations from nearby blood vessels more effectively.
Outer ear infections (otitis externa or swimmer’s ear) can also contribute to this symptom. While these infections affect the ear canal rather than the middle ear, the significant swelling and inflammation in the canal can block sound transmission from the outside. This blockage can create a sensation of fullness and amplify internal body sounds, including the heartbeat, by preventing ambient noise from masking them. Dysfunction of the Eustachian tube often precedes or accompanies both types of infections, further exacerbating pressure regulation issues and contributing to the auditory perception of the heartbeat.
Other Symptoms and When to Seek Medical Care
Alongside hearing your heartbeat, ear infections typically present with several other symptoms. Common indicators include ear pain, which can range from mild discomfort to severe, throbbing sensations. A feeling of fullness or pressure in the affected ear is also frequently reported, often accompanied by a temporary reduction in hearing clarity. Some individuals may experience a fever, especially with more severe infections, and in certain cases, fluid drainage from the ear canal might occur.
Seek medical care if symptoms are severe or persist without improvement. High fever, intense ear pain that does not respond to over-the-counter pain relievers, or any discharge from the ear, particularly if it is bloody or pus-like, warrants a medical evaluation. Additionally, if the ear infection is accompanied by new symptoms such as dizziness, balance problems, facial weakness, or changes in consciousness, immediate medical attention is necessary. These symptoms could indicate a more serious complication requiring prompt intervention.
Treatment and Management for Ear Infections
Treating an ear infection that causes the heartbeat sensation involves addressing the underlying infection and reducing inflammation. Medical professionals may prescribe antibiotics if the infection is bacterial, which work to eliminate the causative microorganisms. Pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, are recommended to manage pain and reduce fever. Decongestants may also alleviate Eustachian tube congestion, which can improve ear pressure and reduce the sensation of pulsatile tinnitus.
Beyond medical prescriptions, several home management strategies can offer comfort and support recovery. Applying a warm compress to the affected ear soothe pain and promote fluid drainage. Elevating the head during sleep reduces pressure within the ear. Avoiding irritants like smoke and allergens can prevent further inflammation and support the healing process. The goal of these treatments is to resolve the infection and its associated inflammation, which in turn typically alleviates the hearing of the heartbeat as the ear returns to its normal state.