As we age, our bodies often send us signals that something might not be quite right. Sometimes these signals are subtle and easily dismissed, but it's crucial to pay attention to them, especially when they involve our senses. One such signal that should never be ignored is hearing a 'heartbeat' or a rhythmic thudding in your ear, a condition known as pulsatile tinnitus (PT).


Pulsatile tinnitus is characterised by hearing a strange 'whooshing' or the 'sound' of your own pulse beating in your ears. While it might be tempting to brush this off as a minor annoyance, medical experts urge that it could be a hidden sign of a potentially deadly condition.


Dr Ahmed Abd Elbary, who shared his expertise with his followers, emphasises the importance of discussing PT with your doctor. He explains that PT is often a result of changing blood flow in the small blood vessels inside your ear. This could potentially indicate the presence of an aneurysm—a dangerous bulging of a blood vessel that can be fatal if it bursts, especially in the brain.


An aneurysm in the brain can lead to a subarachnoid haemorrhage, a type of stroke that can cause serious and sometimes fatal brain damage. In England, an estimated one in 15,000 people suffer a ruptured brain aneurysm each year, highlighting the severity of this condition.

But aneurysms aren't the only concern. PT can also potentially indicate the presence of a tumour in your head or neck. Dr Ahmed points out that while most of the tumours associated with PT are benign and don't have the potential to spread to other parts of the body, they still require medical attention.

The good news is that pulsatile tinnitus generally goes away once the underlying issue is addressed. However, this means that identifying the cause is critical. Tinnitus, in general, is the term for hearing noises that are not caused by an outside source, such as ringing, buzzing, or hissing. It affects millions of people worldwide, with PT specifically affecting about 10 percent of those with tinnitus.


There are many different types of tinnitus, and the volume can vary from one episode to the next. If you're experiencing PT or any form of tinnitus, it's important to seek medical advice. Your doctor may recommend various tests, such as hearing examinations, blood pressure checks, or imaging studies like an MRI or CT scan, to determine the cause of your symptoms.
For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, we understand that health concerns can be particularly worrying as we get older. We encourage you to listen to your body and act promptly when something seems amiss. If you've ever experienced PT or have concerns about tinnitus, please share your story in the comments below. Your experiences could help others recognise the importance of seeking medical advice for this potentially serious condition. Remember, early detection and treatment can make a significant difference in outcomes for health issues like these.