Is vascular tinnitus serious?
Jun 27, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
Vascular tinnitus is relatively severe and is clinically referred to as pulsatile tinnitus. The most common cause is related to the jugular bulb. In early-stage patients, unilateral pulsatile tinnitus and mild hearing loss occur, accompanied by a muffled sensation in the ear, tinnitus, and pulsation that synchronizes with the heartbeat. In mid-to-late stages, cranial nerve involvement may develop. Patients should first visit a hospital for a comprehensive electronic otoscopic examination.
After undergoing medical examinations at a hospital, some individuals may be diagnosed with pulsatile tinnitus of vascular origin. This condition is more commonly observed in elderly patients. But how serious is vascular tinnitus?
Is vascular tinnitus serious?
Vascular tinnitus is indeed a serious condition and is clinically referred to as pulsatile tinnitus. The most common cause is a glomus jugulare tumor (jugular paraganglioma). In early-stage patients, symptoms typically include unilateral pulsatile tinnitus, mild hearing loss, and a muffled sensation in the ear that synchronizes with the heartbeat and tinnitus. In mid-to-late stages, cranial nerve involvement may occur.
First, patients should undergo a comprehensive examination at a hospital, including detailed otoscopic evaluation and jugular venography. Diagnosis can be confirmed using localized CT or MRI scans. During examination, a deep-red or bluish tumor may be observed beneath the posterior-inferior portion of the tympanic membrane. When the tumor protrudes into the external auditory canal, local bleeding may occur, and its surface often appears granulomatous. For jugular paragangliomas confined to a small area, local surgical resection is recommended and generally yields favorable outcomes. However, if the lesion is extensive and surgically inaccessible, localized radiotherapy becomes necessary.
If the patient does not have hypertension, high-positioned jugular vein anomalies and jugular paraganglioma should still be ruled out. It is advisable to take vasodilators and neurotrophic medications, avoid exposure to loud noise, refrain from prolonged headphone use, and undergo regular audiological evaluations at the hospital. We hope this information proves helpful!
