Month: October 2011

More people than you probably realize sufferer from having a continuous ringing or noise in their ears, which is called tinnitus. This condition predominantly comes from damage incurred within the inner ear. But in certain instances tinnitus can be a symptom of a host of other underlining causes. One source of ringing ears can be high blood pressure.

There are several different forms of tinnitus but, one uncommon form is known as pulsatile tinnitus. This is where the noise within the ear can be heard as a rhythmic pulsing that is often in time with the heartbeat but only three percent of patients are affected with this type of ringing ears related to blood pressure. It is oftentimes heard as a thumping or whooshing sound and is due to a disruption in the one’s blood flow. This type occurs when the blood vessels, inside the head or neck of an individual, sees an increased blood flow or a narrowing of the blood vessel itself. The disrupted blood flow can be then heard in one or both of the ears. Pulsatile tinnitus is completely different from ‘continuous tinnitus’ which is caused by damage to the cochlea of the inner ear or the hearing nerve. It is, however, possible to experience both types at the same time.

Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure can have many symptoms or it can occur with no symptoms at all. Although hearing a ringing in the ear can be a symptom of high blood pressure, it is not a common symptom. Typically patients with high blood pressure that experience pulsatile tinnitus do not start to hear a noise or ringing in their ears until after they start taking blood pressure medication. Tinnitus can sometimes resolve itself, within four to six weeks, and sometimes a change in medication can eliminate this condition also.

Several other conditions can be the cause of pulsatile tinnitus. One of the more common causes is BIH (benign intracranial hypertension). This is actually a condition where there is an increased pressure in the cerebrospinal fluid that bathes the brain, resulting in young, overweight females. Another cause for pulsatile tinnitus is due to a glomus tumor. This is a benign vascular tumor typically located in the ear or just below the artery and comes from a cholesterol build-up in the artery wall. This condition can also be due to a middle ear infection or inflammation.

Depending on the cause of the pulsatile tinnitus, there can be several different cures. In the case of high blood pressure, a doctor might prescribe a medication to reduce the symptoms. It is important to report any side effects resulting from a new medication. If you suspect that your ringing ears are due to high blood pressure, see your doctor and get your blood pressure checked.

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