What Causes Strong Pulsating Sound In Ears?

Posted on Wed, 1 Jun 2016

Question: I have a pulsating in my right ear off and on. Sometimes it lasts for a couple of hours and sometimes it is just for a few minutes. I had a cold and after cold is when this developed. I have been to the doctors twice, the first time he said he did not see anything with my ears but my nose was inflamed and swollen and that could be effecting my ear. He put me on Flonase, I used that for a week and no change. The second time I went back this doctor said it was a middle ear infection and put me on Levaquin for 7 days. Still the same with the pulsating coming and going. What do you suggest?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Eustachian tube block...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

After going through the query I do understand that you seem to be suffering from Eustachian tube (the tube connecting nose and the ear) block. This is one of the commonest problems following flu.

Following flu congestion builds up around the nasal end of the Eustachian tube. This induces negative pressure inside the middle ear initially, followed by, accumulation of middle ear secretions. Presence of negative pressure/ fluid in the middle ear causes transmission of capillary pulsations. This is reason for pulsatile tinnitus.

Do not worry! With appropriate medicines and care this should get relieved.

My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink plenty of warm water.
2. Do steam inhalation 2-3 times a day, for a couple of minutes. Steam reduces the congestion around the Eustachian tube and helps in reducing the middle ear pressure and fluid if any.
3. Kindly continue with Flonase nasal spray. Flonase spray starts its action only after 2 weeks from the day you start using it. Flonase also helps in reducing the nasal and Eustachian tube congestion.
4. Also, try using saline nasal spray. Saline promotes nasal ciliary movements and thus helps in easy clearance of nasal secretions.
5. Avoid chilled food and beverages, coffee, smoking and fizzy drinks.

Hope this answers your query; revert back to me if you have any follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina