Pulsating tinnitus could be defined as a rhythmical sound that you hear with in the ear that seems to appear in synchronization with your heart beat. The easiest way to tell if this is what you have is by feeling your pulse while you’re listing to the tinnitus.

Unlike more common types of tinnitus, the main causes associated with this variety are usually easier to find. And in fact one of the most common causes is high blood pressure.

Common causes of pulsating tinnitus

The most frequent cause of pulsating tinnitus can be attributed to the way the blood flows in and around the inner ear. Most usually and for a variety of reason s— someone suffering with this version of tinnitus becomes more aware of the blood that flows through the large arteries and veins in the neck, the base of the skull and of course the smaller ones that pass through the ear.

There are a number of factors that will result in a change in blood flow and can range from something as simple as strenuous exercise, or even something as common as pregnancy.

The manner in which your blood flows can also be affected by hyperthyroidism — an over-active thyroid — or thyrotoxicosis.

Stapedial Artery Causing Pulsating Tinnitus

Another factor that can affect the way your blood flows can be attributed to atherosclerosis — hardening of the arteries –

In rare cases, pulsating tinnitus which may be attributed to blood flow problems can be down to something as simple as a mild birth defect...

As we are developing in our mother’s womb - during the mid to late part of the development we have an artery and middle ear called the stapedial artery. In most people this will have closed before they are born but occasionally it does not close. That means that there is an artery quite close to the middle ear and blood flowing through the stapedius muscle can be heard resulting in pulsating tinnitus.

Common ways to treat pulsating tinnitus

Obviously, treatments used for pulsating tinnitus will depend completely on the cause of the problem. In cases of high blood pressure, the first duty of your health provider will will be to bring it under control.

In many cases dealing with the high blood pressure also deals with the tinnitus.

Someone suffering from anaemia (another cause of pulsating tinnitus) may have a condition which can be dealt with either through the use of drugs or in some cases by having a blood transfusion.

It’s worth noting however that there are a good number of cases in which the cause of the pulsating tinnitus cannot be easily identified.

In cases such as these then the standard methods of treatment such as retraining, relaxation or sound therapy and maybe counselling can be used.