Overview
Healthcare providers may start diagnosis by using a stethoscope — the same device they press to your chest to hear your heartbeat — to listen to your neck and skull. (When providers can hear sound that keeps pace with your pulse, they call it objective pulsatile tinnitus. If they don’t, it’s subjective pulsatile tinnitus.)
Regardless of the type of pulsatile tinnitus, providers will determine if the pulsatile tinnitus is happening in time with your heartbeat. They’ll also test your hearing. During the hearing test, they may use a special test called tympanometry to measure the pulsing in your ears to see if it aligns with your pulse.
Depending on your other symptoms, your provider may request different imaging tests. These tests let providers “see” what’s happening inside of your head and neck that may cause pulsatile tinnitus. Those tests may include:
- Angiography: This test uses contrast material and X-rays so providers can examine your blood vessels.
- Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA):This test checks for problems with blood vessels in your head and neck.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI):An MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to produce cross-sectional images of particular structures or tissues within your body. Providers may use this test to obtain images of tissues within your ears and neck.
- Doppler ultrasound: Providers may use this test to see how blood is flowing through blood vessels in your neck.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan: This test uses X-rays and a computer to produce a 3D image of your head and neck.
- High resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scan: This test uses a narrow X-ray beam and advanced computer analysis to create highly detailed images of your blood vessels or other parts of your head and neck. Providers may use HRCT scans to look for sinus wall abnormalities (SWAA).
Symptoms
When to see a doctor
Complications
- High blood pressure.
- Diabetes.
- Heart failure.
- Some types of heart valve disease.
Prevention
- Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
- Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
- Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
- Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Reduce and manage stress.
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