Why Do I Hear My Heartbeat in My Ear?
Possible Causes of Hearing Your Heartbeat in Your Ear
Hearing your heartbeat in your ear can be a troubling experience, and it’s important to understand what might be causing it. Here are some possible causes of this phenomenon:
Pulsatile tinnitus: This is a type of tinnitus that causes you to hear rhythmic pulsing sounds in your ear. It’s often caused by blood flow problems in the neck or head, such as from an abnormality in a blood vessel or high blood pressure.
Earwax buildup: A buildup of earwax can cause a feeling of fullness in the ear and make it harder to hear other sounds, which can make your own heartbeat more noticeable.
Eustachian tube dysfunction: The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat, and helps to equalize pressure in the ear. When it’s not functioning properly, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including hearing your own heartbeat.
Cardiovascular issues: Certain cardiovascular conditions, such as aortic aneurysm or carotid artery stenosis, can cause pulsing sounds in the ear.
Stress and anxiety: Stress and anxiety can cause a variety of physical symptoms, including increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can make your heartbeat more noticeable.
Medical Conditions Associated with Pulsatile Tinnitus
Pulsatile tinnitus, the sensation of hearing one’s own heartbeat in the ear, can be a symptom of various medical conditions. Here are some of the medical conditions that may be associated with pulsatile tinnitus:
High blood pressure: High blood pressure can cause pulsatile tinnitus by putting extra pressure on blood vessels in the head and neck.
Atherosclerosis: This condition occurs when the arteries become narrowed due to a buildup of plaque. It can cause pulsatile tinnitus by restricting blood flow and increasing pressure in the vessels.
Arteriovenous malformation (AVM): This is a rare condition in which abnormal connections form between arteries and veins, which can cause a pulsing sound in the ear.
Glomus tumors: These are rare tumors that can grow in the ear or the base of the skull. They can cause pulsatile tinnitus by pressing on blood vessels in the head and neck.
Meniere’s disease: This is a disorder of the inner ear that can cause vertigo, hearing loss, and ringing in the ear. Pulsatile tinnitus can also be a symptom of this condition.
If you are experiencing pulsatile tinnitus, it’s important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
Treatment Options for Pulsatile Tinnitus
Treatment for pulsatile tinnitus, the sensation of hearing one’s own heartbeat in the ear, depends on the underlying cause of the condition. Here are some treatment options that may be recommended:
Addressing underlying medical conditions: If pulsatile tinnitus is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as high blood pressure or atherosclerosis, treating that condition may help alleviate the symptom.
Medications: Certain medications, such as diuretics or blood thinners, may be prescribed to help improve blood flow and reduce pulsatile tinnitus.
Earwax removal: If a buildup of earwax is causing the symptom, removing the wax may help alleviate it.
Sound therapy: White noise, music, or other sounds may be used to help mask the pulsing sound and make it less noticeable.
Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to address the underlying cause of pulsatile tinnitus. For example, if the condition is caused by a tumor or abnormal blood vessel, surgery may be recommended to remove it.
If you are experiencing pulsatile tinnitus, it’s important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
When to Seek Medical Help for Hearing Your Heartbeat in Your Ear
While hearing your heartbeat in your ear can be a common and harmless experience, there are times when it may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. Here are some signs that you should seek medical help for pulsatile tinnitus:
If the sound is new or has suddenly gotten louder: If you have never experienced pulsatile tinnitus before or the sound has suddenly become more pronounced, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out any serious underlying conditions.
If you are experiencing other symptoms: Pulsatile tinnitus can be a symptom of other medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or atherosclerosis. If you are also experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or vision changes, it’s important to seek medical help.
If the sound is interfering with your daily life: If the pulsing sound is causing you distress or interfering with your ability to concentrate, sleep, or carry out daily activities, it’s important to seek medical help.
If the sound is accompanied by pain or swelling: If you are experiencing pain or swelling in the ear, neck, or head in addition to pulsatile tinnitus, it could be a sign of a serious medical condition and requires medical attention.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause of your pulsatile tinnitus and appropriate treatment.
Understanding the Anatomy of the Ear and Heart
To understand why you may hear your heartbeat in your ear, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the anatomy of the ear and heart.
The ear is made up of three parts: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. The outer ear consists of the visible portion of the ear and the ear canal. The middle ear is located behind the eardrum and contains three small bones called the ossicles. The inner ear contains the cochlea, which is responsible for hearing, and the vestibular system, which is responsible for balance.
The heart is a muscular organ that pumps blood throughout the body. It is divided into four chambers: the right atrium, the right ventricle, the left atrium, and the left ventricle. Blood is pumped from the heart to the rest of the body through arteries and returns to the heart through veins.
When the heart beats, it creates a pressure wave that travels through the blood vessels in the body, including those in the neck and head. If the blood vessels in the ear are close to the surface of the skin or if there is an abnormality in the blood vessels, the pressure wave can be detected as a pulsing sound in the ear.
Understanding the anatomy of the ear and heart can help you better understand why you may be experiencing pulsatile tinnitus and the possible underlying causes of the condition.
