A whooshing sound in the ear is often associated with a condition called pulsatile tinnitus, which is a rare form of tinnitus characterized by hearing a rhythmic sound that usually matches your heartbeat. This sound can be perceived as rushing, pulsing, or whooshing and is caused by changes or abnormalities in blood flow near the ear
Causes of Whooshing Sound in the Ear (Pulsatile Tinnitus)
- Blood flow changes: Increased or turbulent blood flow in vessels near the ear due to high blood pressure, atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries), or narrowing/kinking of arteries or veins (like the carotid or jugular veins)
- Ear infections: Fluid buildup or swelling in the ear can cause noise due to blockage
- Vascular malformations: Abnormal connections between arteries and veins (arteriovenous malformations) or aneurysms can cause the sound
- Eustachian tube dysfunction: Problems regulating ear pressure can contribute to whooshing sounds
- Other health conditions: Hyperthyroidism, anemia, idiopathic intracranial hypertension (increased pressure in fluid around the brain), and tumors pressing on blood vessels can also cause this symptom
When to Seek Medical Attention
A whooshing sound that follows your pulse should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, ideally an audiologist or an ear specialist (otolaryngologist), because it can be a sign of underlying health issues that might require treatment
. Early diagnosis is important to prevent complications such as hearing loss or more serious vascular problems.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis may include hearing tests, physical exams, and imaging studies to identify vascular abnormalities or other causes
. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve medication, surgery, or management of contributing conditions like high blood pressure or anemia. If no cause is found, sound therapy or tinnitus retraining may help reduce the perception of the noise
. In summary, a whooshing sound in the ear is often linked to pulsatile tinnitus caused by blood flow changes or other medical conditions. It warrants medical evaluation to identify and treat any underlying issues
