What Is the Difference Between Pulsatile Tinnitus & Non-Pulsatile Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is defined as a noise that originates within the ear canal rather than the outside environment. This condition can affect one ear or both. The sounds caused by tinnitus include ringing, buzzing, whistling, humming and running water.

Types

• There are two distinct classifications of tinnitus: pulsatile and non-pulsatile. Non-pulsatile tinnitus is the most common diagnosis.

Features

• With non-pulsatile tinnitus, the noise in the ear can be heard by a doctor via a stethoscope placed in the patient's ear canal.

  Pulsatile tinnitus is a rhythmic sound within the ear that pulses with the heartbeat. It can be diagnosed by a doctor using a stethoscope on the patient's neck or a microphone in the ear canal. Pulsatile tinnitus is often directly linked to other diseases or disorders.

Causes

• Tinnitus is caused when the tiny muscles in the middle ear rhythmically contract for no reason. Underlying causes of tinnitus include hypertension, a heart murmur, Eustachian tube disorder, glomus tumor or abnormal vein or artery. Infections, fluid, and disease of the ear drum (tympanic membrane) or the middle ear bones can also cause tinnitus.

Diagnosis

• Testing must be done to properly diagnose tinnitus. Bone or tissue may hide lesions or obstructions in the ear. Tinnitus is typically a symptom of another condition, which also must be diagnosed and treated.

Treatment

• The condition has no specific treatment. Tinnitus may be permanent or it may stop on its own over time. Prevention is paramount--treating diseases and disorders that are linked to tinnitus can prevent the condition from developing.