Have you started to hear your heartbeat in your ear while lying down? We understand it is quite unsettling to experience; however, don’t worry, you’re not alone. This phenomenon is known as pulsatile tinnitus, and it’s more common than you might think. In this blog post, we’ll explore the reasons behind thumping in the left ear and shed some light on what you can do about it.
Left Ear Thumping – Is It Pulsatile Tinnitus?
Pulsatile tinnitus is a combination of rhythmic sounds of thumping or hissing in one or both ears. For a few people, such sounds are irritating, while others might not be able to do anything like concentrate or sleep. Unlike regular tinnitus, pulsatile tinnitus comes with a special rhythm that often aligns with your heartbeat.
The good news is that pulsatile tinnitus is usually benign but can sometimes be a sign of an underlying condition. Therefore, it is crucial to get a medical evaluation done.
Symptoms of Pulsatile Tinnitus
The only noticeable symptom of pulsatile tinnitus is hearing a steady heartbeat or a whooshing sound in your ear.
Thumping In Ear – Causes
Here are some common reasons why you might hear your heartbeat in your ear while lying down:
- Malformations of Blood Vessels and Disorders:
Structurally improper blood vessels and arteries near your ears, like aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations, disrupt the regular blood flow, resulting in a pulsating sound. - High Blood Pressure:
Usually, the force of blood pushing against the inner walls of your arteries increases when you have high blood pressure. This elevation causes you to hear this whooshing sound. - Head and Neck Tumors:
Among common, less risky issues, you do have another issue – tumors. Benign glomus tumors in your head and neck press against your veins, which sounds like a heartbeat thumping in your ear. - Atherosclerosis:
If you can hear your heartbeat in either your left or right ear, it may be a sign of atherosclerosis. In this condition, cholesterol builds up (a mix of waste material and fats) in your blood vessels, disturbing the blood flow and causing this issue.
Seeking Treatment and Relief
In case you are experiencing pulsatile tinnitus, it is crucial to get in touch with a healthcare professional as soon as possible. They will start by conducting a thorough examination to rule out severe to moderate possibilities. Or, may recommend further tests to identify the underlying cause.
Treatment options depend on your specific case, but usually, the route includes medication to surgery.
Closing Note
By understanding the underlying causes and seeking appropriate medical attention, you can find relief.
Our team at Aqeeq Internal Medicine is only a call away to aid you with medical assistance. Talk to us by dialing (832) 786-8195. Or, you can also drop by our office at 16125 Cairnway Dr. Ste 114 Houston, TX 77084, right next to Chiropractic Clinic.