Pulsatile tinnitus is a type of tinnitus condition wherein a person keeps hearing a whooshing or pulsating sound that thumps in tune with the heart beat. This condition is also called vascular tinnitus because it is commonly caused by blood flow disruption or poor blood circulation. pulsatile tinnitus is not very common; however, the struggles an afflicted person has to go through are quite challenging.

One of the most popular types of pulsatile tinnitus is the arterial turbulence or the crimps or plaques in the arteries of the head or neck region that causes the blood to flow with a rumbling sound. This condition is made worse by hypertension. If the flow of blood is increased for some reasons or due to the narrowing down of the restricted blood flow, a turbulence sound can be heard.

The symptoms of this type of tinnitus are different from the symptoms of the continuous form of tinnitus. However, there are some unfortunate people who can experience both types and most of them agree that pulsatile tinnitus-produced sounds are the most annoying. Like other tinnitus types, this pulsatile type of tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom signaling other more serious health problems. Because the main cause of this condition is related to blood circulation, the underlying cause must be something that needs immediate medical attention. However, you shouldn’t worry much because this condition can be treated.

Aside from poor blood flow, pulsatile tinnitus may be caused by other conditions such as:

1. Arteriovenous Malformations – this occurs when the veins and arteries close to the auditory nerve of the cranial cavity become irregular in number. Because there is pulsation happening in the auditory nerve, the beating sound is produced.

2. Atherosclerosis - the cholesterol buildup on the artery wall causes the arterial constriction. This condition causes the blood flow to be disrupted; thereby producing a pulsating sound a tinnitus sufferer can hear.

3. Benign Intracranial Hypertension – the inflated pressure placed on the fluid that surrounds the brain can cause the condition called Benign Intracranial Hypertension. This condition is signaled by hearing pulsating sound until it eventually becomes hearing loss.

4. Carotid Artery-Cavernous Sinus Fistula – this condition is characterized by the joining of large veins and arteries caused mainly by massive head trauma.

5. Middle Ear Inflammation or Infection – the blood flow can elevate as a result of infection in the middle ear. The elevated blood circulation results to a pulsating or turbulent sound comparable to the turbulent sound of water flowing rapidly.

6. Hypertension – in many cases, pulsatile tinnitus is caused by taking medications for hypertension. This can be treated by changing the dosage of the medication or changing it completely.

7. Glomous Tumor - this condition is also called vascular tumor which can occur at the base of the skull in the middle or inside the ear. This condition can be corrected by surgery.

As mentioned earlier, pulsatile tinnitus is not a disease but a symptom of other underlying conditions that need to be given immediate medical attention. Therefore, at the onset of the symptoms, it is a must that you consult with your healthcare provider.