Have you ever noticed the sensation of your heart beating in your ear? This is called pulsatile tinnitus, and it could be due to a variety of underlying causes or conditions. If you’ve been experiencing this, you may have some anxiety around what’s happening and whether it will go away.
Tinnitus refers to when you hear a constant sound, usually ringing, in one or both ears, without an external source. Pulsatile tinnitus is a more specific form of tinnitus. Instead of ringing, you may hear a whooshing or thumping sound, which might align with your heartbeat. Pulsatile tinnitus in one ear only is common, but some people may experience it in both. While pulsatile tinnitus may sound like a type of condition or disorder, it’s usually a symptom of an underlying condition that needs to be treated.
“I can hear my heartbeat in my right ear!” Anxiety might be your first reaction if you notice signs of pulsatile tinnitus. It can be unnerving or worrisome to suddenly start experiencing this symptom.
But can anxiety itself cause this symptom? When it comes to hearing your heartbeat in your ear, anxiety has been considered a possible cause. This connection may be especially acute when experiencing a panic attack, due to the body’s physiological response of increased heart rate, dizziness and numbness or tingling sensations, among other distressing physical and mental symptoms. That being said, it’s currently unclear if anxiety has a direct link to hearing your pulse in your ear. Anxiety and physical responses often go hand-in-hand, however, and there is a known link between stress and pulsatile tinnitus.
While there is a correlation between stress and hearing your heartbeat in your ear, there are other causes of pulsatile tinnitus that can be more serious. This is why it’s important to schedule an appointment with your doctor so you can rule out any serious issues. What is the most common cause of pulsatile tinnitus? There’s no single top cause, but here are a few possibilities:
Getting a pulsatile tinnitus diagnosis requires a visit to the doctor. Your doctor may start by using a stethoscope to listen to your neck and skull to see if they hear the sound you’re hearing. They may also perform a variety of hearing tests and other exams, such as:
While there is no such thing as medication for pulsatile tinnitus, medication for underlying health issues may help to reduce or eliminate your symptoms—such as medication to treat high blood pressure, anemia or heart disease.
On the other hand, can medication cause pulsatile tinnitus? Yes, it’s possible for some medications to cause tinnitus. A category of over-the-counter and prescription medications known as ototoxic drugs—which include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), drugs designed for cancer treatment and antidepressants, among others—have the potential to cause tinnitus or hearing loss.
If you’ve recently started a new medication and noticed a new sensation of hearing your heartbeat in your ear or a constant ringing sound, talk with your doctor.
