Hey all

Hi, Larry, and welcome!

I have pulsatile tinnitus in my right ear, too. You've come to the right place to find support, good advice, and up-to-date information about tinnitus.

How did your pulsatile tinnitus start? Did it begin suddenly? Also, how did you learn that you have pulsatile tinnitus? I had never heard of pulsatile tinnitus until I started looking around the web in desperation. I found some information, read the symptoms, and realized that it described me!

Have you been to any doctors yet for your condition? It's probably a good idea to go to a doctor, if you can find a good one (ENT or neurotologist), to rule out any other problems you might have.

You may want to also look at whooshers.com, if you haven't already discovered it. There, you'll find lots of information and support for those of us with this condition.

When you have a chance, read some of the threads on this forum. There's lots of interesting information here!

 

Larry -- We have a similar situation. I've had the same tests you've had, and they found nothing. Sometimes having dental work can be a contributing factor to tinnitus (of all types), so yours might have something to do with that. And so could swimming/diving. I'll be interested to hear what your ENT has to say about the sigmoid sinus diverticulum.

A question: Is your pulsatile tinnnitus subjective or objective? (Can the doctor hear your pulsing when using a stethoscope?)

You're right to have a positive mindset through all of this; it took me quite a while to learn how to live with my condition. I've never given up hope, and am still looking for possible solutions, but I'm also aware that I may not find any answers in the near future. In the meantime, my pulsating (after 2 1/2 years) has actually improved! That is, it's still there, but has gotten much softer and less noticeable.

Please update us after you go to the ENT; hope you're able to find some answers!

 

Hi. Larry,
I'm glad that your ENT was helpful to you this time around. What type of doctor did he refer you to? I have been to a couple of neurotologists, who are more specialized. Neither one found anything unusual in my MRI/MRA or CT scan. I haven't had a CT scan with contrast, however (I believe that is called a CTA). Have you had that test yet? I was a little afraid of the test, because of the injection of iodine into the veins (I'm a thyroid patient), but if all else fails, I may still have that done.

As to subjective and objective pulsatile tinnitus -- In subjective tinnitus, no one else can hear the pulsating sound except the patient. In objective tinnitus, it is possible for others to hear the sound. And, in objective tinnitus, it is more likely that there is a vascular cause that a doctor can identify through testing. At least, that's what I've read.

A question for you: Are you able to momentarily stop the pulsating sound when you press on the carotid artery on the right side of your neck? My doctors have tried that with me, but it doesn't do anything to lessen my pulsating sound. How I wish it did!

I've had this for almost 3 years now, and at times my pulsating seems less severe, but I can definitely still hear it , and it is bothersome (feels like my head is always vibrating) and frightening, although I'm trying to live as normally as possible.

It's comforting to hear from others, like yourself, who also have this condition. I am trying to be hopeful that a cause will be identified for us, and if not, we must do our best to be positive and lead a normal life!

 

Larry,
I hope the new ENT doctor is able to help you, and/or give you some answers. Being able to stop it by pressing on the neck may indicate it is vascular; hopefully, the doctor will perform that test and be able to evaluate you.

In my case, more than one doctor has tried pressing on my neck to see if it has stopped the pulsating, and it did not. My pulsating started right after I got off an ace inhibitor drug, so it may be more stress-caused.

I hope you are able to find some answers soon!

 

Hi, Countrygal,

Do you have pulsating tinnitus, too? Your situation sounds very similar to mine. I have both ringing and pulsating in my right ear only. I've been to several doctors and had the tests I mentioned above (MRI/MRA, and CT scan). So far, they haven't found anything. I've kind of given up on doctors for now, and am going to a chiropractic neurologist, thinking that it might be brain-related.

My ringing and pulsating seem to have gotten a little better, or maybe I've just gotten used to it.

How did yours start?