Sound of blood rushing can have various causes, ranging in severity from 'troubling' to 'very serious'. Finding the true cause means ruling out or confirming each possibility – in other words, diagnosis.
Diagnosis is usually a complex process due to the sheer number of possible causes and related symptoms. In order to diagnose sound of blood rushing, we could:
Cause | Probability | Status |
---|---|---|
Hypertension | 93% | Confirm |
Carotid Artery Disease | 18% | Unlikely |
Tinnitus | 0% | Ruled out |
Do you ever hear blood rushing through one or both ears?
Possible responses:
→ No / don't know→ Sometimes in one ear → Sometimes in both ears → (Almost) always in one ear → (Almost) always in both ears |
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. A "swishing" sound may occur as blood flows past a blockage in a carotid artery.
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.
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.
People with pulsatile tinnitus typically hear a regular sound that occurs in time with their heartbeat.