A medical professional is warning that hearing a sound similar to a heartbeat in your ears may be more than just a harmless annoyance—and in some cases, it deserves medical attention.
Read on to understand what this symptom could mean and when to seek professional medical advice.
Hearing occasional ringing or noise in your ears is fairly common. It can happen after exposure to loud noise, such as attending a concert, working in a noisy environment, or even someone shouting close to your ear. In many cases, these sounds fade away on their own.
However, when the noise becomes frequent, persistent, or seems to sync with your heartbeat, it could indicate an underlying medical condition.
Health experts estimate that around one in three people experience a rhythmic “whooshing” sound in their ears due to a condition known as pulsatile tinnitus (PT).
People with tinnitus may hear continuous ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whistling sounds. These noises can be constant or intermittent, and their intensity may change over time. According to medical resources, the loudness can vary from one episode to another.
Those with pulsatile tinnitus often report that the sound becomes stronger when their heart rate rises—such as during physical activity or stress—and less noticeable when their pulse returns to normal.
Dr. Ahmed Abd Elbary, a physician who shares medical education online, explains that while PT is often harmless, it can sometimes point to more serious health concerns.
“Changes in blood flow can cause turbulent movement in blood vessels,” he explains. “Common causes include conditions like aneurysms or atherosclerosis, which is the narrowing of the arteries.”
He also notes that increased blood flow in a specific area—known as localized hypervascularity—can be another cause. “In some cases, this can be linked to a tumor,” he says.
Dr. Abd Elbary reassures patients that most tumors detected in these situations are benign, meaning they are non-cancerous. Still, he emphasizes the importance of proper medical evaluation to rule out serious conditions and protect long-term health.
“In most cases, it’s nothing dangerous,” he explains. “But if this sensation is new, persistent, or getting worse, it’s absolutely something you should have checked by a healthcare professional.”
According to Dr. Abd Elbary, pulsatile tinnitus usually results from changes in blood flow—or increased awareness of blood movement—in the tiny blood vessels within the ear.
Several factors can influence blood circulation, including regular exercise, pregnancy, anemia, and thyroid disorders such as hyperthyroidism.
While pulsatile tinnitus may resolve on its own, ongoing symptoms should not be ignored. Consulting a qualified medical provider can help ensure accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment options, and peace of mind—especially for those concerned about hearing health, cardiovascular health, or long-term medical costs.
If you or someone you know experiences a heartbeat-like sound in the ears, sharing this information could encourage timely medical care and potentially prevent more serious complications.