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Musical Ear Syndrome is a relatively common phenomenon where you hear non-tinnitus, phantom sounds that are not of a psychiatric nature. Typically, you would hear what sounds like music, singing or voices. If you hear music or singing, it may be vague or clear. If you hear voices, typically they sound vague—like a TV playing in another room.
- Overview
- What is pulsatile tinnitus?
- Causes
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Outlook
Tinnitus is the sensation of hearing sounds from inside, rather than outside, the body, such as a pulsing or ringing sound in the ear. Doctors aim to treat the underlying condition and may try sound therapy, relaxation techniques, and tinnitus retraining therapy.
Some people hear sounds similar to music or singing.
Pulsatile tinnitus is a rhythmical noise that beats at the same rate as the heart and is the sound of blood circulating the body. A person can confirm this by feeling their pulse as they listen to the tinnitus noise.
Unlike other forms of tinnitus, which are thought to be caused by a disconnect between the sounds the ears hear and the way the brain interprets them, pulsatile tinnitus has a physical source.
Pulsatile tinnitus occurs when the ear becomes aware of a change in blood flow in nearby blood vessels. These include the arteries and veins in the neck, base of the skull, and in the ear itself.
The main causes are:
Generalised increased blood flow
When blood is flowing quickly, such as during strenuous exercise or pregnancy, it makes more noise.
Severe anemia or an overactive thyroid gland may also cause general increased blood flow in the body.
Localised increased flow
To diagnose tinnitus, a doctor will ask questions such as whether the sound is continuous, if it affects one or both ears, and what kind of impact it is having on a person’s everyday life.
They will also ask whether a person has experienced any other symptoms of hearing loss or has been taking medications that list tinnitus as a side effect.
They will examine the inside and outside of the ear to check for problems that might be easy to treat, such as an infection or excess earwax.
A specialist will examine the eyes, head, and neck, and do a hearing test.
If a specific cause is found for pulsatile tinnitus, doctors can treat the underlying condition.
Anemia can be treated with medication or blood transfusions. Secretory otitis media may be treated with a tympanostomy tube, or grommet. Perforated eardrums can be closed with grafts, and narrowed segments of an artery can be repaired.
If caused by a specific blood vessel, doctors may or may not be able to repair it, depending on where the vessel is located.
If there are no medical interventions, a person can try several self-management techniques, including:
Sound therapy
Sound therapy, also called sound enrichment, was originally developed as a form of distraction. Many people with tinnitus notice their symptoms more when in a quiet environment, so listening to other sounds can make them less intrusive.
Many of the underlying causes of pulsatile tinnitus are treatable, but it is important to see a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Untreated pulsatile tinnitus can have a negative impact on a person’s quality of life, but there are many different self-management approaches that can help reduce symptoms.
- Amanda Barrell
Apr 10, 2019 · The main symptom of pulsatile tinnitus is hearing a sound in your ears that seems to match your heartbeat or pulse. You may even be able to take your pulse while you’re hearing the sound in...
- James Roland
Apr 3, 2024 · What you describe sounds like pulsatile tinnitus (pronounced TIN-nih-tus or tin-NITE-us). It is a type of rhythmic thumping, pulsing, throbbing, or whooshing only you can hear that is often in time with the heartbeat. Most people with pulsatile tinnitus hear the sound in one ear, though some hear it in both.
Jun 26, 2024 · Hearing a thumping in your ears, also known as pulsatile tinnitus, can be caused from Meniere's disease, which can affect your balance and hearing. Other causes of pulsing in the ear include earwax buildup or temporomandibular joint dysfunction disorder. Read below for more information on causes and treatment options. 9 most common cause (s)
- Hearing your own heartbeat in your ear, also known as pulsatile tinnitus, can occur due to different reasons. It might be due to changes in blood f...
- Hearing a heartbeat in your ear, also known as pulsatile tinnitus, is generally not considered an emergency, but it can be a symptom of an underlyi...
- Hearing your heartbeat in your ear can indicate an underlying health issue, so it's wise to seek medical attention if it's a new or persistent expe...
- Treatment for pulsatile tinnitus should be directed toward the underlying cause of the symptoms. For some individuals, there are home treatments th...
A rhythmic swooshing or whooshing noise inside of your head that often keeps pace with your pulse is the most common symptom of pulsatile tinnitus. This is commonly blood pulsing faster than normal through a variety of veins and arteries located near your ears.
People also ask
Why does my heartbeat sound like a pulsatile tinnitus?
What does tinnitus sound like?
Do you hear sounds?
What causes a thumping sound in your ear?
Hissing. Whistling. Thudding. These aren’t the only sounds you can experience with pulsatile tinnitus. You may also hear a thumping or throbbing sound that beats in time with your heartbeat (an effect of the blood circulating around your body). Pulsatile tinnitus causes.
