Ringing ears happens to everyone occasionally. When the environment is quiet, sounds are more easily picked up by the sensitive organs of the ear canal. However, if this happens on a regular basis, or persists, then you may be suffering from tinnitus.

While realizing this may bring relief, it can also come with numerous questions. There are different reasons why tinnitus occurs, as well as different types of presenting symptoms. Pulsatile tinnitus isn't one of the most common types of ringing ears, with only about 3% of tinnitus patients dealing with these presentations. However, understanding this type of tinnitus is important, as there are things you can do to reduce the bothersome noises.

What is Pulsatile Tinnitus?

Pulsatile tinnitus is sometimes referred to as vascular tinnitus. This is because it is closely associated with blood flow and blood pressure. People with pulsatile tinnitus do not hear the more common ringing or buzzing sounds. Instead, the noises that they notice sound like loud whooshing sounds and are associated with blood flowing through the veins.

If blood pressure goes up or blood vessels constrict, the ear canal begins to pick up the abnormal sounds of pulsatile tinnitus. In some instances, this type of tinnitus can be present along with other types of ringing ears.

What to Do If You Have Been Diagnosed With This Form Of Tinnitus

Because pulsatile tinnitus is related to internal conditions with known treatments, it is easier to cure than many other types. To address the root cause, some doctors recommend that blood pressure medicine be used. If you can lower your blood pressure, then the tinnitus symptoms will be reduced or eliminated. Feeding blood and vessel health is also a highly recommended treatment for this type of noise.

Digging Deeper

While it is possible to treat this condition, it'ss also important to exercise caution. Whenever you are dealing with the circulatory system, care should be taken. Your circulatory system contributes to things like stroke, heart disease and other more serious problems. While pulsatile tinnitus is not necessarily reason for extreme concern, you may want to request further testing.

There are more serious conditions that can be related to tinnitus symptoms, including tumors, vascular damage, infection in the ear canal, abnormal arteries and other conditions. Don't become too alarmed, but get the answers that you need to determine the reason for your illness. A CT scan or MRI may be useful tools in determining more serious underlying causes.

Feed Your Blood Health

With pulsatile tinnitus, your main focus should be on feeding your body with blood health in mind. If you are already on blood pressure medicine, and notice that tinnitus symptoms are beginning or worsening, request a new medication. You can also utilize herbs, such as gingko biloba, that feed blood health naturally.

Avoid substances that you know affect blood flow and pressure, such as alcohol, smoking and aspirin. Eat a balanced diet, focusing on whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Poor eating habits can cause blood pressure to skyrocket, so diet is one of the most effective treatments for this root cause.

There are many types of tinnitus. If you do not hear ringing in your ears, then you may be dealing with a different category of this disease. Pulsatile tinnitus is present when you hear loud whooshing sounds, indicating that blood flow is the root cause of your symptoms.

This tinnitus can be treated, but you must be aware that there can be more serious underlying issues involved. Request testing to be sure that no other medical concerns need to be addressed.