Pulsatile tinnitus is a type of tinnitus that causes the patient to hear a whooshing, throbbing, or buzzing sound in their ear. This condition can occur in one or both ears, causing mild discomfort and potentially leading to physical weakness over time. Patients perceive sounds like throbbing, ringing, or a hissing, whistle-like noise. These sounds can arise from changes in blood flow in the veins or arteries near the ear, occurring during activities like air travel or scuba diving. Here are some medical conditions that can cause buzzing in the ear.

Atherosclerosis is a process in which plaque builds up inside the arteries, leading to blockage and disruption of blood flow. An aneurysm in the ear is a condition where the artery wall bulges, putting pressure on the transmission bones in the ear, creating a buzzing sound.

Structural changes in the veins or arteries, fistulas (irregular connections) in the veins, abnormal tumors in the blood vessels of the ear, head or neck tumors can cause patients to perceive a pulse accompanied by a buzzing sound. This condition can also occur due to increased blood flow in the capillaries, increased intracranial pressure (inside the skull), or fluid leakage in the membrane separating the inner and middle ear.

Narrowing of the transverse sinus, high blood pressure acoustic neuromas, sigmoid sinus diverticulum (small sacs pushing through the sigmoid sinus wall into the mastoid bone located just behind the ear), bone loss, or tumors in the temporal bone can also cause buzzing.

In rare cases, buzzing in the ear occurs due to hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland), conductive hearing loss caused by blockage in the ear canal, or head injuries.

Pulsatile tinnitus has varying degrees of severity, from mild to severe and dangerous, depending on the underlying cause. For diagnosis, doctors usually conduct a physical examination and may order magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), or computed tomography angiography (CTA) scans to check for problems in the blood vessels and tissues. Ultrasound to check tissues in the neck and ear, or blood tests to assess thyroid function and anemia, may also be ordered.

Treatment methods for pulsatile tinnitus vary depending on the cause and may include medication prescribed by a doctor, lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, weight loss, and regular exercise. If the problem is related to the ear's structure or a tumor, the patient may undergo surgery.

Anh Chi (Very Well Health)