Pulsatile tinnitus: a whooshing in time with your heartbeat
Most tinnitus is a steady ringing or buzzing. Pulsatile tinnitus is different: a rhythmic whooshing, thumping or pulsing that keeps time with your heartbeat. It is usually caused by blood flow near the ear, and it should always be checked by your GP.
Hearing your own blood flow.
Pulsatile tinnitus happens when you become aware of blood moving through vessels near your ear. That can be because the blood flow itself has changed, becoming faster or more turbulent, or because you have become more sensitive to sounds inside your head, for example with a blocked ear.
Unlike ordinary tinnitus, which is usually linked to hearing loss, pulsatile tinnitus often has a specific, findable cause. That is why GPs normally look into it more closely, sometimes with blood tests or a scan. Most causes are not serious, and many are treatable.
If the sound keeps time with your pulse at your wrist or neck, it is likely to be pulsatile.
Mention that the tinnitus is pulsing. They will check your blood pressure and may arrange further tests.
Tell your GP if you notice.
Tick any that apply. They help your GP decide which tests you need.
Pulsatile tinnitus is not usually an emergency, but it should be assessed by a doctor. A hearing test and ear examination with us is a useful part of the picture.
Common causes of pulsatile tinnitus.
Some are in the ear itself, most are to do with blood flow.
Stronger blood flow can be heard more easily, especially at night.
Both make blood flow faster around the body, including near the ear.
Wax or fluid behind the eardrum makes sounds inside your head more noticeable.
Read about glue earChanges in the arteries or veins near the ear can make blood flow turbulent.
A condition called idiopathic intracranial hypertension, often with headaches and changes in vision.
Very occasionally a small, usually benign growth near the ear has a rich blood supply.
Ear examination and hearing test, for your GP.
We check for wax, fluid behind the eardrum or anything visible that could explain the sound.
We test each ear separately. Hearing loss on the same side is an important clue for your GP.
We send our findings, so your GP has the full picture when deciding on tests.
Whatever the cause, we can advise on ways to make the sound less intrusive, particularly at night.
Get urgent help if pulsing in the ear comes with
- A sudden, severe headache
- Changes in your vision, such as blurring or double vision
- Weakness, numbness or confusion
- A recent head or neck injury
Call 999 or go to A&E. Otherwise, book a routine GP appointment for pulsatile tinnitus.
Frequently asked questions.
Usually not, but it is more likely than ordinary tinnitus to have a specific cause, so it should always be checked by your GP.
At night there is less background sound to mask it, and lying down changes blood flow and pressure around the head.
Possibly. Depending on your symptoms and examination, your GP or specialist may arrange an ultrasound, MRI or CT scan to look at the blood vessels near the ear.
Yes, often. If the cause is found and treated, such as high blood pressure, anaemia or a blocked ear, the sound frequently settles.
Yes. Finding hearing loss on the same side, or a problem in the middle ear, gives your GP useful information.
Part of the picture.
Ear examinations and hearing tests in our Birmingham clinic or at home.
TinnitusGlue earHyperacusisHearing loss in one earHearing tests
Written and clinically reviewed by our HCPC registered audiologists. Last reviewed: 15 October 2026. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your hearing or your ears, book an appointment or speak to your GP.