Pulsatile Tinnitus... How Do You Know?

[Natalie Roberts]

So as many of you know I've had tinnitus for about 6 months now, maybe a bit longer. I've recently noticed that my tinnitus seems to sound like its rhythmic. Maybe it's always been this way I've just been paying attention to the way it sounds now..

I wouldn't necessarily describe it as whooshing. It sounds like high pitched electric static that sort of sounds like it gets louder and quiter in a fast rhythm but I don't think it's necessarily consistent with my heart beat (it's so hard to tell). Would it be obvious ?How can I be sure this isn't pulsatile tinnitus and do I need to worry?

 

[Hopeful1]

Just check if it matches with your pulse by holding your wrist with the other hand

 

[Natalie Roberts]

I've tried to determine that and I can't. My t is very strange and not typical as it fluctuates a lot. I guess pulsatile would be obvious?

 

[Hopeful1]

Yes pulsative T should be simple to check...

 

[Natalie Roberts]

So the rhythmic sounds would not be pulsatile?

 

[Karen]

Natalie,

If it's a rhythmic sound, but not consistent with your heartbeat, it might not be pulsatile. With pulsatile, you can actually hear your heartbeat in your ear (or ears) all the time. And, when you move suddenly, it may increase in frequency for a few minutes, then slow down again.

Have you tried checking your sound to make sure it's in sync with your pulse?

 

[Natalie Roberts]

Natalie,

If it's a rhythmic sound, but not consistent with your heartbeat, it might not be pulsatile. With pulsatile, you can actually hear your heartbeat in your ear (or ears) all the time. And, when you move suddenly, it may increase in frequency for a few minutes, then slow down again.

Have you tried checking your sound to make sure it's in sync with your pulse?

Thanks for you reply. It's definitely not a pulse. It's more like a siren where it gets louder then quieter every few seconds, in rhythm. And I really have a hard time trying to determine if it matches my pulse. I've tried and I just can't tell. I also don't notice it changing when I move.

 

[Karen]

Then I have a feeling it is not pulsatile, but regular tinnitus. And regular tinnitus can take on many forms, and may fluctuate, too. What a strange thing tinnitus is!!