
Developed A High Pitched Ringing In Ear And Pounding Heartbeat. What Could Be The Reason?

Thanks for posting the query
Sudden onset of tinnitus (ringing in the ears) could be due to various reasons such as reduced blood supply to the inner ear apparatus, raised blood pressure, certain medications, hormonal changes, blocked Eustachian tube (the tube connecting nose and the ear), etc.
I would suggest you consult your physician and get the blood pressure checked in three positions such as standing, sitting and lying down position. When the blood pressure is high you can get this sort of pulsatile and high pitched tinnitus. A pure tone audiometry is also recommended at this stage to diagnose an impending sensorineural hearing loss.
Also, you can try taking betahistine and neurobion tablets. Betahistine helps in improving the microcirculation of the inner ear, while neurobion rejuvenates the inflamed nerves.
Consult an apt ENT specialist for a complete evaluation and a thorough management.
Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon


Thanks for writing back
The increase in the intensity of tinnitus while lying down is because of the back flow of blood towards the head. This causes congestion around the Eustachian tube(the tube connecting nose and the ear). Once the tube gets blocked, the sounds are heard much louder and the vice versa happens on standing or sitting because the blood flow increases towards the periphery.
Even acute blockage of the Eustachian tube as in sinusitis can cause tinnitus, secondary to the negative pressure created inside the middle ear. As you had not revealed about your sinus history in the previous post, I did not comment about the possibility of Eustachian tube block.
The popping sound in the ear is due to opening and closing of the congested Eustachian tube. Do not worry! This is a transient problem. In addition to the above medications, try doing steam inhalation also, this will help in relieving the congestion around the Eustachian tube and reduction in the intensity of tinnitus.
Hope this answers your query; I wish you good health and speedy recovery.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Answered by

Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Practicing since :2001
Answered : 2545 Questions
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