Whooshing heartbeat in ear

[Mel_82]

Yesterday morning I was awoken by a whooshing heartbeat sound in my left ear.

I immediately thought high blood pressure but mine was 119\66 so totally normal.

It kept me up last night because it was so annoying and it's still doing it today.

I have a doctors appointment tomorrow and logically I know it's probably an infection, but when I google whooshing heartbeat in ear some pretty scary stuff comes up.

Anyone have this before? What were your experiences?

[B_uk87]

Hi yes I have had this! I had it for several months on and off, a whooshing in time with my pulse and a vibrating sensation. Went to the docs who checked and said was all clear but would sent me to ENT specialist, they did hearing test which came back perfect. As it went on for so long and was pulsatile they sent me for an mri which came back normal and completely clear. The consultant signed me off his care and said it was simply ‘spiritual’ and that I should try relaxation techniques, try not to worry so much and enjoy my life! He also gave me some leaflets with info on tinnitus. It comes and goes occasionally, more so when I’m very stressed or feeling anxious. I hope yours passes too, it can be very frustrating!

[ankietyjoe]

It's just something that happens sometimes and doesn't require any more thought. I've had it on and off since I was a young child.

[WiredIncorrectly]

Same a Joe. I think everybody has this.

[Carnation]

Me too, apparently very common

[Mel_82]

Thanks :)
I saw my doctor today and it's a bit infected so she gave me some drops.

It's still making the sound but she said its likely the infection is causing some swelling which is compressing a blood vessel causing the heartbeat sound.

If it doesn't stop then another visit would be required but I'm confident it will be all good :)

[OliviaD]

Hi! :) How are you now? I've always had a slight tinnitus and the whooshing in one ear. Recently that ear was plugged quite badly, noise got worse... My GP recommended using some drops which slowly melted my earwax. And... that's all! I don't hear the whooshing anymore.

[RainbowGirl]

Hi! :) How are you now? I've always had a slight tinnitus and the whooshing in one ear. Recently that ear was plugged quite badly, noise got worse... My GP recommended using some drops which slowly melted my earwax. And... that's all! I don't hear the whooshing anymore.
That is reassuring to know. Tinnitus is very common, more common that people think, just for anyone that reads this, never put cotton buds in your ears, it pushes the wax in further thus causing a build up of wax which can cause tinnitus sounds to worsen. OP - look into tinnitus and maybe get the cerumen (medical term for ear wax) drained to see if that helps any bit.