Have you ever noticed a rhythmic thumping in your ear when you lay down? It could be the sound of your own heartbeat. You may be wondering why you can hear your heartbeat in your ear when you lay down. This phenomenon is called pulsatile tinnitus. In this article, we will explore what causes heartbeat in the ear and how to investigate this phenomenon.
What Causes Heartbeat in the Ear?
Pulsatile tinnitus is a type of tinnitus that is caused by changes in blood flow in the vessels near the ear. It is usually caused by changes in the volume of blood near the ear, such as arterial stiffness, increased blood pressure, or increased blood flow. It is also possible that the sound is caused by changes in the structure of the small bones of the middle ear.
The sound of pulsatile tinnitus can vary in intensity and pitch. It can be a low or high-pitched sound, and it can be continuous or intermittent. It is usually heard in both ears, but it can be heard in one ear as well.
Investigating the Phenomenon of Heartbeat in the Ear
If you have pulsatile tinnitus, you should visit a doctor to investigate the cause. A doctor can perform several tests to determine the cause of the sound, such as imaging tests and blood tests. Imaging tests can show any changes in the structure of the small bones of the middle ear, and blood tests can show any irregularities in the blood vessels near the ear.
If the cause of the sound is determined to be an increase in blood flow or pressure, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress and exercising regularly. In some cases, medications may be prescribed to reduce the volume of blood in the vessels near the ear.
Pulsatile tinnitus is a type of tinnitus that is caused by changes in blood flow in the vessels near the ear. It can be a low or high-pitched sound, and it can be continuous or intermittent. If you experience this phenomenon, it is important to visit a doctor to investigate the cause. In some cases, lifestyle changes and medications may be recommended to reduce the volume of blood in the vessels near the ear.
Have you ever been lying down and all of a sudden, you can hear your heart beating in your ear? This phenomenon, known as pulsatile tinnitus, is an abnormal sound usually described as a rhythmical whooshing that can be heard in one or both ears. It is typically linked to a heartbeat or pulse and is often caused by a change in the flow of blood between the inner ear and your heart.
Various conditions can affect the flow of blood and produce the sound of pulsatile tinnitus. The most common cause is an increased amount of turbulence in the blood as it passes through the arteries and veins just outside the ear canal. This turbulent flow can be the result of high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, a tumor in the artery, or even collagen and other tissue structures near the ear.
In addition to these physiological causes, pulsatile tinnitus can also be a sign of more serious conditions such as aneurysms, meningitis and an acoustic neuroma. It can also be caused by problems in the bones of the middle and inner ear, such as otosclerosis. People with abnormally high levels of cholesterol or calcium can also be at risk for developing pulsatile tinnitus.
If you’re experiencing pulsatile tinnitus, it is important that you seek medical attention. Your doctor can help determine the underlying cause of the sound and determine any necessary treatment. To make a diagnosis, your doctor may order tests such as CT scans or MRIs which can help determine if there is a structural abnormality. However, some conditions that cause pulsatile tinnitus, such as high blood pressure, can be managed through lifestyle changes, diet and medication.
Pulsatile tinnitus can be an alarming symptom, but rest assured that most cases can be effectively managed with the right diagnosis and treatment. It is important to seek medical help if the sound in your ear is impairing your daily activities or your ability to sleep.
