Pulsatile tinnitus Q&A w/ Mayo Clinic expert, Dr. Breen July 16

I have pulsating tinnitus specifically at night and inconsistently. My E.N.T. mentioned a CT scan with contrast. I am allergic to contrast agents- are there other tests that can be done to evaluate possible causes? When I change the position of my head on the pillow it can sometimes eliminate the pulsating or significantly reduce it.

I have a whooshing , throbbing sensation in my left ear(never in right). It’s quite loud and keeps me awake. It’s not positional. It’s not in synch with my heartbeat.
It’s been happening off and on for 2 months.
Last night it was happening almost all night, and a few hours of the afternoon. My ENT has said that it’s allergy related, and hasn’t given me a satisfactory reason for the issue, or any idea what to do to regarding how to stop it or at least minimise it.
Please help. Thanks

I have tinnitus I’ve been to many physicians For answer. There is no answer just does not go away- no matter what anyone says .- the noise does reduce as time goes on because your brain gets used to the incoming change- just have to deal with it sorry-

There is a difference between pulsatile tinnitus and tinnitus.

Pulsatile tinnitus is a rare issue. Like tinnitus, pulsatile tinnitus can affect your quality of life, keeping you awake when you want to rest or distracting you when you need to concentrate. The difference is tinnitus makes constant random noise. Pulsatile tinnitus is like a real-time soundtrack of your blood flowing to and from your heart. Annoying as it may be, that soundtrack may save your life. Pulsatile tinnitus may be the first sign you have a serious medical condition that affects your blood flow. Talk to your healthcare provider if you notice noise in your ears that keeps time with your pulse. They’ll find out if there’s an underlying and potentially serious problem and take steps to treat it.

I also have pulsatile tinnitus for a couple of weeks now. It started only at night when I was lying in bed. In the meantime it also is there during the day, but it's also not permanently. What @beegie described earlier is also valid for me. I've recently went to a specialist and she thinks it could be related to thegosis or tensions in my neck muscles. Not sure about that, but I will look into that.

I was recently given clindamycin by my dentist for an infected tooth. I only took it for two days because I developed a very sore and inflamed mouth and tongue and numb lips as well as no saliva. This was five weeks ago. I still have these symptoms but it seems to be getting better. I have also been diagnosed with either Long Covid or Post Vaccine Malaise which may contribute to this severe reaction to clindamycin due to a compromised immune system. I have had this Long Covid for almost three years. Has anyone or perhaps, an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor, ever heard of these symptoms from clindamycin?

Have tinnitus in both ears constantly for the last 10 years. Some days ringing is louder than others. My doctor says no cure. Live with it. That true? Diet or food allergies could help? Ur thoughts? Also causing hearing loss. I am 70. Thank you

Two questions for Dr. Breen:
—> Has any connection been shown to exist between tinnitus and headaches?

—> Has any connection been shown to exist between tinnitus and insomnia?

Thank you.

I am 77. I have had constant tinnitus for over 25 years. It varies from day to day in terms of loudness or even the types of sounds it presents. I cope by making sure I get adequate rest, avoid stressful situations if possible, limit alcohol, avoid noise or if that is not possible use earplugs or headphones. At night I sleep with ear buds providing quiet nature sounds. I eat whatever I want within reason. Keep weight within my BMI. I also wear hearing aids during the day and they help because the less you hear, the louder the tinnitus sounds. So the hearing aids boost up the noise to hearing levels. Best of luck finding things that help mask your tinnitus.

Dr. Breen thank you for this opportunity.
I have suffered with Puslatile Tinnitus (PT) for 3 & ½ years. I’ve had every test to find the physical cause that I’ve been able to find: hearing test from ENT, carotid scans, temporal bone x-ray, CT scan, cerebral angiogram, which appeared to show irregular blood flow in a cerebral vein. I had sent these results to Dr. Aothos Patsalides in Great Neck NY, interventional neuroradiologist and director of neurointerventioal surgery at North Shore University Hospital. My scans showed diverticums on both my jugular bulbs, perhaps pressing on inner or middle ears. I went to him January 2024 he did brain venogram and temporarily blocked the diverticulum on my left side, the louder side. I still heard the whooshing PT. He did brain angiogram, monaometry test for IIH, negative. He determined that my PT is not vascular. I’ve tried acupuncture, chiropractic and other modalities.
I will profoundly appreciate any input or suggestions.