Pulsatile Tinnitus
People with tinnitus often experience repetitive pulsing, whooshing, or pounding in one or both ears. Some patients find the noises irritating. For some, the noises are powerful and incapacitating, making concentration and sleep impossible. The beat or sound is typically in time with the patient’s heartbeat. When their heart rate rises, the rhythm or sound will speed up; when it falls, and it will slow down. In some circumstances, tinnitus may sound like a heartbeat, known as pulsatile tinnitus. Pulsatile tinnitus, although usually minor, may indicate a more serious underlying disease.
On the other hand, pulsatile tinnitus can be caused by iron deficiency anemia. Without sufficient iron, the body’s arteries must work harder to transport more blood. Due to the sensitivity of the ear to changes in blood flow, patients may hear this happening. There are reports from iron-deficient patients that their tinnitus disappeared once their anemia was diagnosed and treated. This may be detected with a complete blood count and a physical exam. Pulsatile tinnitus should be reported since it may signal a life-threatening cardiac issue associated with iron deficiency. Patients may eat iron-rich foods to lower the loudness and severity of pulsatile tinnitus.
