When a person "hears his heartbeat in his head," he is actually hearing his pulse in his ear. This sensation can have a simple explanation, such as lying down on a pillow after a hard workout and hearing the pulse rushing quickly through the blood vessels in the ear. However, there are other conditions to consider which may warrant a visit to a qualified health professional.

Pulsative tinnitis

Hearing a sound that beats in rhythm to the pulse may be pulsative tinnitis. It is usually a result of altered or increased blood flow near the ear. This may be due to atherosclerosis ("hardening" of the arteries), and is somewhat common in the elderly.

Mastoiditis

Another possible cause for a rushing sound in the ear may be mastoiditis. This is an infection of the bone right below the middle ear, and it is caused by chronic ear infections (acute otitis media) which have spread into the bone. Mastoiditis is difficult to treat and may take a long time to repair. Some doctors recommend surgery for mastoiditis. Naturopaths may recommend natural treatments for mastoiditis, but it still takes time for the body to heal itself.

Blocked eustachian tubes

Hearing a pulse in the ears can also be caused by the eustachian tubes being blocked due to seasonal allergies. Decongestants may help relieve symptoms if this is the cause. Avoid mucus-producing foods such as dairy products, sugar, peanut butter, chocolate bars, eggs and dark sodas, as these foods may trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.

Carotid artery blockage

Rarely, the condition may be due to a life-threatening issue concerning blockage or damage to the carotid artery. A qualified health professional should be able to run tests to determine if there are any vascular issues around the ear or neck which might increase blood pressure to the area and cause the "whooshing" or pulsing sound.

Testing

An August 2000 article in "Radiology" states that it is common for tinnitits and pulsative tinnitis tests to come back "unremarkable." Some doctors will tell patients that they just have to live with the symptoms. Find a doctor or an alternative health professional who will work to find the cause of the ear problem.

Source:

Tinnitus-Audiology.com: Pulsative Tinnitis

NY Times: Mastoiditis

Whooshers

More Information:

Naturopathic Medicine For Ear Infections In Children