Seeking Guidance on Pulsating Tinnitus and Vision Issues
Since childhood, I've experienced a subtle distortion in my vision that’s difficult to detect. Recently, I've also been feeling as though my ears are perpetually affected by pressure changes, similar to the sensation you get when descending a mountain or disembarking from a plane. However, this sensation has remained constant for days. When I exert myself, I begin to perceive a rhythmic sound resembling my heartbeat: pffFFfff… pffFFfff… pffFFfff… The louder sounds are represented by capital letters. This mainly occurs in my right ear, although my left ear is not exempt. Even during moments of relaxation, such as when someone dozed off on my chest, I could still hear this sound. I stand at 1.85 meters and weigh 85 kilograms, and I maintain a regular sports routine. **Medical Evaluations:** I underwent a Doppler ultrasound of my heart today, revealing minor regurgitation in both the tricuspid and mitral valves, but overall, everything else appears normal. Additionally, I had an ECG done, which returned normal results. My blood pressure is measured at 140 over 80. **Medical History:** Approximately five years ago, I experienced visual disturbances resembling migraines, described at the time as auras which lasted about ten minutes. These episodes occurred monthly but have since dwindled in frequency. A series of tests including a visual field assessment, color Doppler imaging of the supra-aortic trunks and trans-cranial regions, and a brain MRI have all produced normal results. The diagnosis previously given was that I suffer from painless migraines. In terms of family medical history, my grandmother passed away from complications related to high blood pressure at 65. I would greatly appreciate any recommendations for additional tests or evaluations that could help ensure my cardiovascular health is secure. Thank you for your help!
Answers (1)
4/2/2025, 5:10:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are experiencing pulsatile tinnitus alongside longstanding vision distortions, and your recent cardiovascular evaluations have raised some concerns. Let’s break this down to understand what you might be dealing with and outline the next steps.
Main Points:
- Pulsatile tinnitus and constant ear pressure sensation warrant attention.
- Your history of visual disturbances and cardiovascular tests suggest a need for careful monitoring.
- Managing lifestyle factors and considering additional evaluations may be beneficial.
Explanation:
Pulsatile tinnitus is often linked to changes in blood flow in the vessels near the ears or increased sensitivity to normal blood movements. It can be influenced by various factors, including cardiovascular health. The sensation of ear pressure might be related to Eustachian tube dysfunction or other underlying issues that could also connect to your rhythmic sounds.
Your previous migraines and the described auras indicate that your neurological system may be sensitive, which can complicate matters.
Given that you’ve undergone substantial cardiovascular testing and have normal results, it's important to continuously monitor your symptoms and cardiovascular health, as your family history suggests a potential risk.
Next Steps:
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Track Symptoms: Keep a detailed journal of your symptoms, including when the buzzing occurs, any physical or emotional triggers, and associated activities. This can help identify patterns.
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Hydration and Environment: Ensure you are well-hydrated and spend time in a noise-free environment to reduce stress on your auditory system. Consider limiting caffeine and alcohol, which can sometimes exacerbate tinnitus symptoms.
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Ears Care: Practice techniques to equalize ear pressure, such as the Valsalva maneuver (gently blowing with closed nostrils) or yawning. If this discomfort persists, nasal decongestants or saline nasal sprays can provide relief.
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Follow-up on Vision Issues: Given your history of auras, monitor any new visual disturbances closely and discuss these with a healthcare professional if they recur or worsen.
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Consider Referral: If symptoms continue or interfere with your quality of life, consider consulting an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist) or a neurologist for a further evaluation of your tinnitus and visual symptoms, especially to rule out vascular issues or other neurological conditions.
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Lifestyle Adjustments: Continue your regular sports routine, as physical activity supports cardiovascular health. Also, consider incorporating stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness or yoga, which can help with overall management of symptoms.
These steps can help provide clarity on your situation while ensuring you remain proactive about your health. If new or severe symptoms arise, please seek immediate medical attention.
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