The sensation of wind in the ear, often described as a whooshing or rushing sound, is a common auditory experience. This internal noise is a form of tinnitus, the perception of sound when no external sound is present. While often temporary, this wind-like characteristic can sometimes indicate an underlying condition.
Common Explanations for the Sound
A common cause of a wind-like sensation in the ear is earwax buildup. Excess earwax can block the ear canal, altering sound conduction and creating a muffled or whooshing sound due to pressure changes. This blockage can make internal body sounds, like blood flow, more noticeable. Regular ear hygiene, involving cleaning the outer ear and avoiding insertion of objects into the ear canal, can help prevent this.
Another common reason involves Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). These tubes equalize pressure in the middle ear. When blocked, often due to colds, allergies, or sinus infections, they can cause a feeling of fullness, popping, or wind-like sounds. Fluid can also accumulate behind the eardrum, affecting sound transmission.
Middle ear fluid or infections (otitis media) can also contribute to this sensation. Fluid buildup behind the eardrum can muffle external sounds and make internal body sounds more apparent. Symptoms may include ear pain, pressure, or temporary hearing changes.
Problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jaw to the skull, can sometimes refer sounds or pressure sensations to the ear. Issues like inflammation or damage can affect nearby nerves and muscles, leading to ear symptoms including whooshing or ringing sounds. These sounds may change with jaw movement.
Exposure to loud noise can also lead to various forms of tinnitus, including whooshing sounds. Damage to the delicate hair cells in the inner ear from excessive noise can result in phantom noises. This damage may manifest as a temporary or persistent wind-like sound.
When the Sound is Linked to Blood Flow
When the wind-like sound in the ear is rhythmic and corresponds to the heartbeat, it is known as pulsatile tinnitus. Unlike other forms of tinnitus, it often has a physical source, usually related to blood circulating near the ears. This sound is often described as a swooshing, thumping, or whooshing noise that keeps pace with your pulse.
Changes in blood flow through vessels near the ear can cause this rhythmic sound. High blood pressure (hypertension) can make blood flow more forceful and turbulent, increasing the likelihood of hearing it. The increased pressure against blood vessel walls can make the normal sound of blood flow more audible.
Atherosclerosis, a condition where arteries harden due to plaque buildup, can also lead to turbulent blood flow. This narrowing of blood vessels can cause an irregular flow that the ear perceives as a pulsatile sound. Vascular anomalies, such as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) or venous hums, can also generate audible blood flow near the ear.
Conditions that increase overall blood flow velocity can sometimes contribute to pulsatile sounds. Anemia, a reduction in red blood cells, can increase blood flow, making it more audible. Similarly, an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) accelerates the heart rate and blood circulation, potentially leading to pulsatile tinnitus.
When to Consult a Doctor and What to Expect
Consult a healthcare provider if the wind-like sound in your ear is persistent, worsens, affects only one ear, or is accompanied by other symptoms. These warning signs include ear pain, dizziness, hearing loss, or neurological symptoms like weakness or visual disturbances. Seeking medical advice is particularly important for pulsatile tinnitus, as it can sometimes indicate an underlying vascular issue.
During a medical evaluation, the doctor will take a detailed history of your symptoms, including the sound’s characteristics, duration, and any other associated health concerns or medical history. A physical examination of the ears, head, and neck will follow, and the doctor may listen for vascular sounds with a stethoscope.
Depending on initial findings, the doctor may recommend further diagnostic tests. An audiogram (hearing test) can assess hearing ability and help identify any hearing loss. Blood tests might be ordered to check for conditions like anemia or thyroid problems. If a vascular cause is suspected, imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), or computed tomography angiography (CTA) may be used to visualize blood vessels and internal structures.
Coping and Self-Care Approaches
Several practical approaches can help manage the wind-like sensation in the ear, especially when no serious underlying cause is identified or while awaiting diagnosis. Sound therapy, or masking, involves using external sounds to reduce the perception of internal noise. White noise generators, fans, soft music, or nature sounds can help distract the brain from the whooshing sound, particularly in quiet environments or at night.
Stress reduction techniques can also be beneficial, as stress can sometimes exacerbate tinnitus. Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga may help lower overall stress levels. Engaging in enjoyable activities and regular exercise can also serve as effective distractions and stress relievers.
Certain lifestyle adjustments can help manage the perception of internal ear sounds. Limiting triggers such as excessive caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol intake may be advised, as these substances can affect blood flow and potentially worsen tinnitus. Protecting ears from loud noise exposure is also important to prevent further auditory system irritation.
Maintaining proper ear hygiene is a simple but effective self-care measure. This includes gently cleaning the outer ear with a washcloth and avoiding the insertion of cotton swabs or other objects into the ear canal, which can push earwax deeper or cause injury. If earwax buildup becomes problematic, professional removal by a healthcare provider is recommended.