Why Can I Hear My Heartbeat in My Ear?
Have you ever settled into bed at night only to hear a rhythmic thumping or whooshing in your ear? For many people, this sound can be distracting and even make it hard to sleep. If the noise seems to keep time with your pulse, you might be experiencing pulsatile tinnitus.
Unlike the continual ringing people usually associate with tinnitus, this version is often a real-time soundtrack of your blood flowing near your ears. The sensation might be harmless. However, it can be a sign of a health issue that requires diagnosis and treatment. Understanding why it happens and when to talk to your primary care provider can help you find peace of mind and relief.
What Is Pulsatile Tinnitus?
Pulsatile tinnitus is a rare form of tinnitus where you hear sounds that no one else can hear. Most people describe it as a rhythmic beating, pulsing or throbbing. These sounds are usually in sync with your heartbeat. If your heart rate goes up from exercise or stress, the sound will likely speed up as well.
The sound happens because of turbulent blood flow in the vessels of your neck or head. Because these vessels are close to the structures of your ear, your ears pick up the vibrations and sounds of the moving blood.
Common Causes for Hearing Your Pulse
In many cases, healthcare providers can pinpoint the problem behind these sounds. Several conditions can lead to these rhythmic noises.
High Blood Pressure
When blood pressure is high, blood flow through the carotid artery is more likely to be turbulent. Managing hypertension is often necessary to reduce this pulsatile sound.
Atherosclerosis
Plaque can build up and harden inside your arteries. This narrows the path for blood flow and creates more noise as blood moves through vessels near your ears.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Infections, fluid or inflammation in the middle ear can cause internal head noises to sound much louder. This makes it easier to hear the blood flowing through your carotid artery and jugular vein.
Blood Vessel Disorders
Issues like aneurysms, twisted arteries or arteriovenous malformations can change how blood flows.
Other Factors To Consider
Sometimes the cause is related to the bones in your skull or other systemic issues. A condition called superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome happens when a bone in the inner ear is missing or thin. This can lead you to hear your heartbeat clearly.
Other factors that might trigger the sound include:
- Anemia
- Overactive thyroid
- Head injuries
- Benign tumors
When To Visit a Primary Care Provider
It’s common to notice your heartbeat after a hard workout or during high stress. However, if the pulsing sound continues for weeks or becomes bothersome, you should schedule a checkup. You should seek help right away if you experience the sound along with dizziness, headaches or changes in your vision.
Healthcare professionals specializing in neurology and stroke care can help evaluate symptoms related to intracranial pressure or blood vessel malformations.
Steps Toward Relief
During an exam, your provider will listen to your neck with a stethoscope to check for unusual sounds. They may also recommend an MRI, CT scan or other imaging test to evaluate your blood vessels.
Treatment depends on the cause. If high blood pressure is the issue, medication and lifestyle changes like reducing your salt intake can help. If no structural cause is identified, you might find relief through actions like using a white noise machine, practicing stress-reduction techniques or elevating your head while you sleep.
Hearing your heartbeat in your ear can be annoying, but it is often treatable once the source is pinpointed. Talk with your Baptist Health cardiologist if you have questions or concerns. If you do not have a cardiologist, you can find one by visiting our provider directory.
