Nova Zhang
A whooshing sound in the ears, also known as pulsatile tinnitus, is a rare condition in which patients hear a rhythmic, pulsing, or whooshing sound that often matches the beat of their heart. While the exact causes vary, they often include factors such as head or neck tumors, irregular blood vessels, atherosclerosis, severe anemia, and idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Pulsatile tinnitus can be concerning, especially when occurring in one ear, as it may indicate a localized vascular anomaly or structural issue. Treatment options range from addressing the underlying medical condition to sound therapy and surgical procedures.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name of the phenomenon | Whooshing syndrome, Pulsatile tinnitus |
| Sound | Ringing, hissing, buzzing, rushing, swishing, thumping |
| Cause | Idiopathic intracranial hypertension, head trauma, irregular blood vessels, tumors, atherosclerosis, severe anemia, high blood pressure, earwax accumulation, punctured eardrum |
| Treatment | Weight loss, medication, venous sinus stenting, sound generators, environmental enrichment devices, relaxation techniques, surgery |
| Occurrence | In one or both ears |
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What You'll Learn
Pulsatile tinnitus
Other causes of pulsatile tinnitus include severe anaemia, which increases the rate of blood flow around the body, and idiopathic intracranial hypertension, a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain. This form of hypertension is most common in women aged 20-50 with a body mass index (BMI) above 30.
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Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
Pulsatile tinnitus, or whooshing syndrome, is a rare form of tinnitus in which patients hear a whooshing or pulsing sound in one or both ears in time with their heartbeat. One of the causes of pulsatile tinnitus is idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH), a rare condition that causes increased pressure in the skull due to a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain. IIH was previously known as pseudotumor cerebri, as the increased intracranial pressure may be associated with brain tumours. However, in cases where no tumour was found, patients were diagnosed with pseudotumor cerebri, meaning "disease mimicking a brain tumour".
IIH is characterised by increased pressure around the brain without a detectable cause. The condition is idiopathic, meaning its cause is unknown. The main symptoms of IIH are severe headaches, vision problems, and ringing in the ears, which can affect a person's quality of life. The headaches associated with IIH are characteristically worse in the morning, generalised in character, and throbbing in nature. They may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting and can be aggravated by activities that increase intracranial pressure, such as coughing and sneezing. While IIH is not life-threatening, it can lead to permanent vision changes and loss if left untreated.
The cause of IIH is unknown, and there is no universal remedy. However, treatment options are available, including weight loss, medication to reduce the production of cerebrospinal fluid, and surgery. In some cases, a multidisciplinary approach involving neuro-interventional surgeons, neuro-interventional radiologists, and neuro-ophthalmologists may be necessary. An evaluation by a neuro-ophthalmologist is generally the first step toward diagnosing IIH.
If you are experiencing a whooshing sound in your ears, it is important to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and determine the underlying cause.
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Head trauma
A whooshing sound in the ears is often associated with tinnitus, a condition that causes ringing, hissing, buzzing, or whooshing sounds in one or both ears. While tinnitus usually isn't severe, there is a potentially more serious type called whooshing syndrome or pulsatile tinnitus, where individuals hear the sound of blood flowing near their ears in time with their heartbeat.
When the cause of the whooshing sound cannot be identified, management options are available to help alleviate the symptoms of tinnitus. These include sound generators, which produce more pleasant sounds to mask the tinnitus, and environmental enrichment devices that utilize soothing background noise to distract from the whooshing. Relaxation techniques, such as yoga and meditation, can also help individuals cope with the constant tinnitus sounds.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional, such as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, to thoroughly investigate the potential causes of the whooshing sound in the ears. They will conduct a comprehensive examination and may refer you to an audiologist or hearing care professional for additional testing and personalized treatment options if needed.
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Tumours
Pulsatile tinnitus, or whooshing syndrome, is a rare form of tinnitus in which patients hear a rhythmic swooshing or whooshing noise inside their head that often keeps pace with their pulse. It is not a condition in itself but a symptom of other disorders.
If you are experiencing a whooshing sound in your ear, you should schedule an appointment with your general practitioner. They will investigate any accumulation of ear wax in the ear canal or other health conditions and medications that might be causing the issue. If the cause of the whooshing cannot be identified, treatment options include sound generators, environmental enrichment devices, and relaxation techniques.
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Atherosclerosis
Pulsatile tinnitus, or whooshing syndrome, is a rare form of tinnitus in which patients hear a rhythmic swooshing or whooshing noise inside their head that often keeps pace with their pulse. This is caused by blood pulsing faster than normal through a variety of veins and arteries located near the ears.
Treatment for pulsatile tinnitus caused by atherosclerosis typically involves medication to manage the condition and reduce the swooshing sound. In some cases, surgery may be required to repair damaged blood vessels. Lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and reducing fluid retention, can also help treat the underlying cause of atherosclerosis.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you are experiencing pulsatile tinnitus or any other unusual symptoms, as early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further complications.
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Frequently asked questions
Pulsatile tinnitus.
Pulsatile tinnitus can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Atherosclerosis (hardening of blood vessels, veins, and arteries)
- Severe anaemia or overactive thyroids
- Irregular blood vessels
- Idiopathic intracranial hypertension
- Head trauma
- Tumors in the head and neck
Pulsatile tinnitus often sounds rhythmic with a pulsing, thumping, or whooshing sound. This pulsing is often in time with your heartbeat.
You should schedule an appointment with your general practitioner, who will look for any accumulation of ear wax in the ear canal or investigate other health conditions that might be contributing to the issue.
Yes, pulsatile tinnitus can be treated. The first step is to treat the underlying cause with medication or surgery, correcting the turbulent blood flow. If treating the root cause does not help, ongoing management includes sound generators, which can reduce anxiety by creating a low level of quiet background noise.
