What Causes A Loud Wooshing Sound In Ears?

Posted on Mon, 14 Jul 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 14 Jul 2014 Answered on

Thu, 31 Jul 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a loud woshing sound in my left ear, it's with every heartbeat.

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Pulsatile tinnitus...

Detailed Answer:
Hi my dear,

Having a loud wooshing sound in your left ear, repeated with every heartbeat is suggestive for pulsatile tinnitus. One main cause is blood flow changes in the blood vessels near the ear due to atherosclerosis or hypertension.

I suggest to:
- consult with an ENT specialist to evaluate the status of your ear
- run echo doppler of the blood vessels supplying head (carotids)
- monitor your blood pressure, record the results for future reference
- measure the levels of cholesterol in the blood

Depending on the tests results, specific treatment will be prescribed.

Hope it helped!
Dr.Albana

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