Hi all, this morning I woke up with a swooshing sound in my left ear. It sounds like blood is pumping through my ear, kind of like when you yawn, and seems like it gets worst when I stand up. When I put my hands up to my ear I can't hear it. Also wanted to note that my blood pressure is very good, and is normal. Can someone please help.
Hi, Kimbo, It's possible the whooshing sound you hear could be pulsatile tinnitus. However, it's also possible that it is a phenomenon called "tensor tympani syndrome". Here is some information about it: http://www.hyperacusis.net/hyperacusis/tensor tympani syndrome/default.asp Do you have hyperacusis? It's possible that the tensor tympani muscle is contracting, as a result of the sensitivity caused by the hyperacusis. The way you can tell if it is true pulsatile tinnitus is if it is in sync with your heartbeat. Mine is exactly in sync with my heartbeat, and it is continuous. Standing up doesn't make it any worse. In fact, I notice it more when it's quiet and when I'm lying down, trying to get to sleep. Do you have any other symptoms along with it? Does it whoosh more when you move faster or exert yourself?
Hey Karen, It actually was in sync with my heart beat mostly when I took my pulse, but the strange thing is after about 4 hours it subsided. It was the scariest moment I've had in a long time an made my regular Tinnitus (ringing in my ears, which I still have) look like no problem. I noticed that the night before my head was tilted downwards at an awkward angle, which I think caused it. It was very loud and actually sounded like I was having an Aneurysm, but I'm thanking god that it's gone now. Thank you
Hi, Kimbo, I'm glad yours has subsided, and I hope it doesn't come back. Some people I've communicated with do have pulsating which comes and goes, so it is probably nothing to be concerned about. Yes, it is scary when it first happens. I was beside myself with worry when mine started, but I've had a bunch of tests, and nothing has turned up. It makes regular tinnitus seem less scary by comparison, doesn't it? I wish you well, and hope yours doesn't happen again!! Best wishes, Karen
Hi Karen, Thank you very much. I am sure it won't be a problem anymore. (at least I hope. ) I know you most likely already know this, or have tried this, but Aspirin thins blood. Have you tried taking one a day yet? I think I might have got rid of it by eating some type of food I can't remember what it was now, but I was thinking that it was caused by blood clotting up in veins in my ear. I can't say for sure, because I was also sleeping awkwardly the night before. Hope you can find some type of relief. Regards, Kim
Thanks, Kim. I think the baby aspirin (one per day) is a great idea! Yes, I have been doing something similar, and I believe it has helped. I'm taking a natural supplement that controls blood pressure, called Carditone. It is keeping my blood pressure low, and that seems to be helping me with the pulsatile tinnitus. I don't believe every case of pulsatile tinnitus is something that can be detected on tests, do you? Sometimes, it may have to do with an internal imbalance or blood flow. Best wishes, Karen
Hi Karen. I shouldn't have recommended Aspirin since it's only to be taken under doctors recommendation, and I just found out that even the smallest dose (10 milligrams) can cause other problems such as Gastrointestinal Tract damage which can result in Ulcers and also cause internal bleeding, so you should stay FAR AWAY from that stuff. I'm going to have to tell my parents to stop taking it, now that I found out about this. I'm glad you are taking the natural alternative though. You have a high blood pressure? If so, I think that is what's causing it for sure. Did your doctor say they couldn't hear anything? I know very little about this type of Tinnitus, but I also think the same. Not everything is noticeable by doctors. Have you tried getting a second opinion? Regards, Kim
Hi, Kim, Yes, I've been to several doctors, and had a number of tests for my pulsatile tinnitus. What started it all was blood pressure medicine, so I am pretty sure I don't have any other problems. The blood pressure medicine first caused a very loud ringing/hissing tone, and about a couple weeks later caused the pulsating to begin. It hasn't stopped, but it has gotten much, much better since I got off all those drugs! I take a baby aspirin every now and then, and it hasn't caused any problems with the tinnitus. But every day, I take one Carditone tablet, and that has really been helping. My blood pressure is great now! I think that was my problem all along. I'm glad yours has gone away now, too. Let's hope for better days ahead!
Kim, you are right about the GI problems from aspirin, but don't be overly alarmed. Yes, people should always consult their primary to see if it's OK and if they have any gastric upset beyond their norm, discontinue it. But its positive effects for people with cardiac conditions has been documented. It's the first aid for people having heart attacks, even before a paramedic arrives on scene. I have a medical background so I have some experience in this. Thank you for pointing that out though, so people who read yuor warning know they shouldn't indiscriminately take it to ward off problems they might not have.
