Tinnitus refers to the perception of sound in the absence of external stimuli. The most common form entails a continuous ringing or buzzing sensation in the ears which is often rectified with the help of hearing aid from the best Siemens hearing aid dealers in Chennai. However, pulsatile tinnitus, a lesser-known variant, presents a distinctive characteristic. Its rhythmic sound synchronizes with one’s pulse or heartbeat. Hence, in this blog post, we will see into the causes, symptoms, and suitable treatment options for pulsatile tinnitus.

Understanding Pulsatile Tinnitus:

Pulsatile tinnitus sets itself apart from other regular tinnitus as it aligns with one’s heartbeat or pulse. Individuals affected by this condition face different kinds of rhythmic sounds, such as thumping,  whooshing, or pulsing noises in their ears. These sensations may occur in one or both ears that too periodically or continuously. Understanding the symptoms and potential causes can help the affected individuals to timely diagnosis and get treated on-time.

Symptoms Of Pulsatile Tinnitus: 

Individuals with pulsatile tinnitus may experience the sounds that,

• Coincide with their heartbeat or pulse.
• Have a rhythmic, pulsing quality (Vary in intensity or volume)
• It may worsen when lying down or in specific body positions.
• It can be heard in one or both ears.

It is also to be noted that pulsatile tinnitus can be accompanied by other symptoms such dizziness, alternated visions, or headaches. These additional symptoms hold a significant role in helping the healthcare professionals in identifying the primary cause and determining the suitable treatment.

Common Causes Of Pulsatile Tinnitus: 

Pulsatile tinnitus originates from various conditions such as affecting the blood vessels and surrounding structures. Several common causes include:

Vascular Disorders:

Conditions where blood vessels get affected, such as atherosclerosis, arteriovenous malformations or high blood pressure, can disturb the blood flow resulting in pulsatile tinnitus.

Tumors:

Some non-cancerous growths like vascular neoplasms or glomus tumors can also affect blood flow which triggers pulsatile tinnitus.

Abnormal Ear Structure:

Irregular structured ear like the Eustachian tube or abnormal blood vessels connections, can lead to pulsatile tinnitus.

Medications & Supplements:

Medications such as high-dose aspirin, antibiotics or dietary supplements of specific category, causes pulsatile tinnitus as a side effect.

Treatment Options For Pulsatile Tinnitus:

The objective of treating pulsatile tinnitus is to address the underlying cause whenever feasible. Depending on the specific condition diagnosed, treatment options may involve the following:

Medications:

The healthcare professionals may prescribe medications to manage blood pressure or enhance blood flow suppose if you are affected by vascular disorders.

Surgical Intervention: 

Incase of tumor or structural abnormality, surgical procedures are recommended by the professionals to overcome the issues.

Noise Suppression: 

White noise machines, masking devices, or hearing aids from the best hearing aid shops in Chennai like Adro Hearing Aid can help by reducing the perception of pulsatile tinnitus sounds.

Lifestyle Changes: 

Including stress-reduction techniques, adapting a healthy diet, and avoiding caffeine or loud noises can considerably prevent you from the potential risk of pulsatile tinnitus.

Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT): 

TRT is a combination of sound therapy and counseling which help the individuals habituate the tinnitus sounds by reducing impact in their daily life.

Pulsatile tinnitus can be effectively managed through early diagnosis and timely treatment. If you are experiencing pulsatile tinnitus, it is crucial to seek guidance from the best audiologist in Chennai who can provide you a timely evaluation and develop a personalized treatment plan.