In the 'Symptoms - Head - Ears' section of our in-depth questionnaire we ask the following question about hearing blood rushing:
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Do you ever hear blood rushing through one or both ears?
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Your answer |
...indicates |
...and suggests |
| 1. |
"No / don't know" |
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| 2. |
"Sometimes in one ear" |
Sound of blood rushing in one ear |
A symptom |
| 3. |
"Sometimes in both ears" |
Sound of blood rushing in both ears |
A symptom |
| 4. |
"(Almost) always in one ear" |
Sound of blood rushing in one ear |
A symptom |
| 5. |
"(Almost) always in both ears" |
Sound of blood rushing in both ears |
A symptom |
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Your answer will affect the likelihoods of the conditions below.
Any answers in green reduce the likelihood of the condition.
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| Answers |
Condition |
Comment |
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2 |
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4 |
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Carotid Artery Disease |
The carotid artery passes about 1/8th inch behind the ear drum. Consequently, one will often hear flow through the artery and this generally doesn't mean anything. However, an ultrasound will rule out possible narrowing (stenosis) of the artery since this is something that should be followed/fixed depending on the severity. |
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3 |
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5 |
Carotid Artery Disease |
A "swishing" sound may occur as blood flows past a blockage in a carotid artery. |
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2 |
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4 |
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Hypertension |
Although it is not unusual for some people to hear their pulse in their ear(s), if onset is recent then it might be wise to see a doctor and make sure it is not due to an elevation in blood pressure. |
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3 |
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5 |
Hypertension |
Some patients may notice a "swishing" noise in either ear with each heartbeat. This sound may occur as blood flows past a blockage in a carotid artery. |
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GLOSSARY
Arterial (Arteries, Artery)
Blood that leaves the heart. When it leaves the right ventricle, it is venous blood; and when it leaves the left ventricle, through the aorta, it is fresh and oxygenated. After it has passed out to the capillaries and started to return, it is venous blood.
Stenosis
Usually referring to Esophageal or GI tract: Narrowing.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound testing uses sound waves projected into the body to produce an image of internal organs, structures, tumors, etc. In this procedure, a gel is applied to the patient's skin, and a small device that emits ultrasonic pulses is slowly passed over the area. The sonic image produced is viewed on a monitor.
Last updated: May 10, 2007
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