Pulsatile Tinnitus Causes

Tinnitus is commonly known as a ringing in the ears. There is a specific type of tinnitus, which is characterized by a snapping, clicking, tapping, or booming sound in the ears. Most often, this sound is rhythmic and can be heard continuously or at regular intervals. It is generally the sound of the blood flow that gets magnified due to certain reasons. The ears become extra sensitive and can hear the blood flowing. In other words, their own pulse. Hence the name 'pulsating' tinnitus. In this Buzzle article, we'll tell you about some of the leading causes of pulsatile tinnitus.

Most Common Causes of Pulsatile Tinnitus

Pulsatile tinnitus is also termed as objective tinnitus. This is because, unlike other tinnitus', the sound heard by the person experiencing it, can be heard even by other people, when the appropriate instruments are used. The cause of the pulsatile tinnitus can be deduced by conducting an MRI or a CT scan. Treatments are advised as per the causes identified. Some of the most probable causes are mentioned below.

High Blood Pressure
Hypertension or high blood pressure is a common cause of pulsatile tinnitus. When a person has a high blood pressure, the force by which the blood flows through the blood vessels is high. Hence, the sound that the blood makes while flowing through the body, combined with other conditions can give rise to the booming sound in the person's ear.

Twisted Arteries
Sometimes, arteries within our body can get twisted. If this happens to the arteries that are present in the area near the ears, the neck and the head, the blood that flows through these arteries begins to flow with some level of perturbation. This perturbation causes a rhythmic snapping or clapping sound in the ear.

Effusion in the Middle Ear
In our ear, the middle portion is supposed to remain filled with air. If for some reason like an inflammation, infection or Eustachian tube dysfunction, fluid gets filled within the middle ear, it could result in pulsatile tinnitus. With the rhythmic sound, you may also experience pain and reduced hearing - this condition can be treated with medication or surgery.

Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms within the ear can also cause the regular clicking sound in the ear. There is a small muscle, in the soft palate, which is attached to the stapes bone. If this muscle spasms, there are chances of a rumbling sound being produced in the ear.

Venous Hum
The jugular vein is the largest vein in the human neck. This vein goes through the middle section of the ear. In people suffering from thyroid problem, anemia, or even some pregnant women, the blood flow through the jugular vein may increase. When there is a churning blood flow through the jugular vein, it could result in pulsatile tinnitus.

Sinus Problems
Sinus problems are also another cause of pulsatile tinnitus. Sinus is a condition which affects the nasal cavity as well as the ears of the person. When a person is given sinus medication, it is generally a dose of strong antibiotics. When the person takes these antibiotics, it causes excess deposition of mucous in the inner ear. This excess mucous needs to be drained through the Eustachian tube. However, it cannot, because it becomes too thick. This results in the booming sound of the blood flowing in and around the ear.

Our ears are very delicate organs. Hence they can become susceptible to disorders and injuries, even without our knowledge. Take good care of your ears, get regular check ups, keep them clean and you won't experience such problems. If you do experience the symptoms of pulsatile tinnitus, get yourself checked immediately.