What Causes A Pulsating Sensationin The Ear?

Posted on Tue, 10 Mar 2015

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

Tue, 10 Mar 2015 Answered on

Tue, 7 Apr 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I hear my heart beating in my right ear and it wont stop.
I just went to a eye doctor had my eyes dileated and she said was a lot of preaseue behind right eye. Now this statted week later

Answered by Dr. Urszula Stanko (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
High blood pressure can be the reason.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

There are some conditions that can cause hearing your own heart beat:

- Carotid artery disease where you can hear a pulsating sound. It occurs when fatty plaque inside the artery create turbulent blood flow.
- High blood pressure which can also create turbulent blood flow.
- Overactive thyroid gland.
- Ear muscle disorders.

I would order for base line:
- Check your blood pressure at home,
- Carotid artery ultrasound to test for blocked carotid arteries,
- TSH, T4 and T3 levels to detect problems affecting the thyroid gland,
- Ear examination.

Hearing your heartbeat in the ear is not usually a dangerous condition however can be irritating.

Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T