Doctors Warn: Hearing Your Heartbeat in Your Ears Could Indicate a Serious Health Problem
The image above features an older man pressing his hand against his ear, with the text: “Doctors warn ‘hearing heartbeat’ in your ears could indicate serious health problem.” This sensation is a real medical condition known as pulsatile tinnitus, and it is distinct from the more common form of ringing in the ears.
What Is Pulsatile Tinnitus?
Pulsatile tinnitus is a rare form of tinnitus that causes a rhythmic thumping, whooshing, or swooshing sound in one or both ears. Unlike the constant ringing associated with standard tinnitus, this noise keeps pace with your heartbeat . In essence, people with this condition are hearing the sound of their own blood pulsing through the veins and arteries near their ears .
Why It Happens
The sounds associated with pulsatile tinnitus are typically caused by changes in blood flow. When blood flows faster or becomes turbulent—meaning it moves unevenly through the vessels—it can create enough noise to be heard inside the head .
Common Causes
Several underlying conditions can lead to this change in blood flow:
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): Elevated pressure puts extra force on blood vessel walls, which can increase the noise of blood flow .
Atherosclerosis: The buildup of plaque in the arteries causes uneven blood flow, making the blood travel through narrowed vessels more noisily .
Anemia: A low red blood cell count can force the heart to pump faster and push more blood through the system, increasing the volume of blood flow sounds .
Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid can also cause the heart to speed up and boost blood flow .
Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs): These are tangles of abnormal blood vessels near the ear that can disrupt normal flow .
Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension (IIH): A condition where cerebrospinal fluid builds up around the brain and puts pressure on blood vessels .
The Importance of Medical Evaluation
Hearing your heartbeat in your ear is not something to ignore. While it is often benign, it can be a sign of an underlying vascular condition that may need treatment. Medical professionals note that an underlying cause can be identified in more than 70% of patients who undergo a thorough evaluation .
If you are experiencing this symptom, a doctor can perform a physical exam and may order imaging tests, such as an MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound, to look at the blood vessels in and around your head and neck . Treating the root cause—whether it is managing blood pressure or addressing a vascular issue—is the most effective way to resolve the symptom.
Conclusion
Pulsatile tinnitus is a specific symptom that warrants a medical evaluation. If you notice a rhythmic noise in your ears that matches your pulse, consult a healthcare professional to determine the cause and explore appropriate management options.
