Pulsatile tinnitus is a form of
tinnitus in which a constant rhythmic noise is audible
to a person in the absence of any actual sounds from
outside. This kind of pulsating noise in the ear can be
a result of several factors. But there are certain known
and accepted physical conditions that can be identified
as causes of pulsating
tinnitus.
Pulsating
Tinnitus
- Pulsating
Tinnitus
is commonly caused by arterial turbulence –
turbulent blood flow in the arteries in the head and
neck regions. This turbulence is caused by some form
of blockages in the arteries.
- Pulsating
Tinnitus is often a result of
hypertension.
- Pressure
exerted by arteries and veins on the auditory nerves
can also lead to pulsating
tinnitus.
- Infections
in the ear canal can lead to inflammation which in
turn increases the blood flow to the inflamed tissues
in the region. The increased blood flow can become
highly audible and irritating to the
person.
- Pulsating
tinnitus is also known to occur as a result of fluid
accumulation inside the ear due to several reasons
such as an infection.
- Eustachian
tube dysfunction
can trigger pulsatile
tinnitus.
- Head
traumas resulting in arterial damage can cause
pulsating tinnitus.
- Growths
such as tumors in the middle ear can lead to pulsating
tinnitus.
- Any
other circumstances that result in increased blood
flow to the ear region – for example thyroid problems
can be audible in the form of rhythmic noise in the
absence of any external noise.
Identification
of The Cause Of Pulsatile
Tinnitus
Identification of the cause (or
causes) of pulsatile tinnitus
is important in order to
define a course of treatment that
can provide complete cure. In this context it is often
seen that a treatment that looks at the problem from a
simplistic ‘one cause’ point of view only offers
temporary relief. On the other hand a holistic approach
to resolving the bigger issue that has lead to the
problem yields far more satisfying results with long
term relief. For example, a blocked artery – which is a
common cause of pulsating tinnitus – can be surgically
removed to offer relief. However the underlying problem
of why the blockage was there is not something that a
surgeon will delve into. At the most the physicist will
prescribe medication, perhaps to lower cholesterol.
Although this is an urgent step to be taken, one needs
to take the treatment further to ensure that
causes of pulsatile tinnitus
stays away for
good.
