Suggest Treatment For Pulsatile Tinnitus

Posted on Thu, 28 Apr 2016

Question: I have Pulsatile tinnitus - that is swishing sounds that correlate with my heat beat & also peeping sounds from my heart into the ear. I've seen a Cardiologist , ENT & Neurologist. They found nothing visible at this time to cause the problem this time.
I amt a loss as to what to do next. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
XXXXX

I have not been prescribed any meds for this.

Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Need supportive care.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for asking

I read your question and i understand your concern. Tinnitus has multiple causes. With your age of 80 and normal ENT and heart work up and neurological work up, i believe its age related hearing loss thats causing this tinnitus. Stiffening bone in the middle ear ( otosclerosis) is also a possibility in your age. Meniere' disease and TMJ joint arthropathy can also lead to tinnitus and all very common in old age.

Last but not the least, squishing pulsatile tinnitus should be ruled out for atherosclerosis and high blood pressures as these two are the commonest cause of pulsatile tinnitus. Apart from it, there is a long list of medications that can cause tinnitus and lead to such discomforts.

Nutshell, You need a complete clinical correlation and supportive care. Noise suppression hearing aids, masking devices, TCA antidepressants, xanax, and use of betahistine will help . Accupressure, gingko biloba, vitamin b supplements and zinc may also help.

I hope it helps. Take good care of yourself and don't forget to close the discussion please.

Regards
Khan

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (2 days later)

Thank you Dr.- Could I also add that cutting way down on coffee has helped. I still have a peeping sound from my heart beating into my ear. This mostly comes on late afternoon or evening. My heart seems to be OK after tests. I believe this is due to tinnitis . Thank you for your input-I will pass on these suggestions to my Dr.
XXXX YYYY@YYYY

Answered by Dr. Shafi Ullah Khan (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
supportive care.

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for the feedback

No doubt is likely tinnitus. Yes cutting out coffee is necessary to reduce tinnitus. Supportive care will help the symptoms further too. Discuss these options with your doctor and let them decide what is best for you.

Regards
Khan

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar