Hearing your heartbeat in your left ear is most commonly due to a condition called pulsatile tinnitus, which is a rhythmic thumping, whooshing, or pulsating sound that usually aligns with your heartbeat. This sound is caused by turbulent blood flow in or near the ear, often involving blood vessels in the head or neck such as the carotid artery or jugular vein. Common causes of this include:
- Conductive hearing loss from middle ear infections or fluid buildup amplifying internal sounds.
- Narrowing or irregularities in blood vessels, such as from atherosclerosis or carotid artery disease, causing turbulent blood flow.
- High blood pressure increasing flow turbulence.
- Blood vessel malformations, aneurysms, or benign tumors near the ear.
- Rare bone abnormalities near the ear affecting sound perception.
While pulsatile tinnitus can be alarming, it is often not serious. However, if the sound persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to see a healthcare professional for evaluation to rule out any vascular conditions or other underlying issues. Diagnosis may include a hearing test, ear examination, and imaging tests to check the blood vessels around the ear and neck.
