What causes a constant pulsing sound in the right ear?

There is often a pulsating sound in the right ear, which may be caused by mental stress, lack of sleep, hypertension, otitis media, or abnormal carotid artery pulsation. Symptoms can be improved through emotional regulation, adjusting sleep habits, and medication. If the sound persists or worsens, or is accompanied by dizziness or ear pain, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Mental stress: Long-term anxiety and excessive pressure can lead to nerve excitation and abnormal blood vessel constriction, causing a pulsing sensation in the ear. Symptoms are more noticeable during emotional fluctuations. It is recommended to relieve stress through meditation and deep breathing, maintain emotional calmness, and avoid focusing excessively on ear-related discomfort.

2. Sleep deprivation: Chronic late nights and poor sleep quality affect bodily metabolism and disrupt vascular regulation, leading to pulsatile sounds in the ear. It is advised to maintain a regular sleep schedule, ensure 7–8 hours of sleep per night, and avoid using mobile phones or watching TV before bedtime, as these activities can impair sleep quality.

3. Hypertension: Chronically elevated blood pressure increases pressure on blood vessels in the ear and accelerates blood flow, resulting in pulsatile tinnitus that may be accompanied by dizziness and headaches. It is recommended to take medications such as nifedipine sustained-release tablets, irbesartan tablets, or amlodipine benazepril tablets under medical guidance to alleviate symptoms.

4. Otitis media: Middle ear inflammation caused by bacterial or viral infections leads to congestion and swelling of ear tissues, altering blood flow and producing a pulsating sound. This condition is often accompanied by ear pain and hearing loss. Under medical supervision, medications such as cefixime dispersible tablets, ofloxacin ear drops, or amoxicillin capsules may be used to relieve symptoms.

5. Abnormal carotid artery pulsation: Carotid artery hardening or narrowing causes abnormal pulsations as blood flows through the vessel, transmitting a pulse-synchronous thumping sound to the ear. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as enteric-coated aspirin tablets, rosuvastatin calcium tablets, or simvastatin tablets to improve symptoms.

To reduce risk factors for ear discomfort, keep the ears clean and avoid frequent ear picking, control blood pressure and blood sugar, maintain a light diet, follow a regular routine to prevent overexertion, and engage in moderate exercise to strengthen overall health.