The crescendo of beeps and whistles, some deliberate and some inadvertent, is the trademark of tinnitus, an often-unpleasant auditory experience. For those who suffer from certain forms of tinnitus, such as pulsatile tinnitus, the disruption can be especially difficult to deal with. But there is still hope, as today there are a variety of treatments available to help sufferers reduce and, in some cases, even completely eliminate the intrusive “beep”.
What is pulsatile tinnitus?
Pulsatile tinnitus is the least frequently reported type of tinnitus, according to the Mayo Clinic, and it usually affects a single ear. As its name suggests, it is a type of tinnitus that produces sound in rhythm with the heartbeat. The humming or beeping noise heard in the ear may vary in intensity from person to person, though typically it is loud enough to be distracting.
What is pulsatile tinnitus caused by?
Pulsatile tinnitus can be caused by a number of different underlying conditions. These include high blood pressure, anemia, certain tumors and a variety of other medical disorders. It can also be the result of a head or neck injury, or due to inflammation or infection of a particular part of the ear.
Treating pulsatile tinnitus
The good news is that many forms of pulsatile tinnitus can be treated by a pulsatile tinnitus doctor, providing relief from the noise. In some cases, lifestyle changes such as reduction of stress levels, limiting alcohol intake and avoiding caffeine can be helpful. In other cases, medication may be used to address the underlying cause of the tinnitus. If the condition is caused by a physical issue, such as a tumor, an operation may be recommended. Additionally, there are a number of alternative treatments such as hypnosis, acupuncture, herbal remedies and dietary changes that can be used to reduce the severity of the tinnitus or eliminate it altogether.
The benefits of interventional radiology
The realm of medical therapy has undergone a revolution thanks to interventional radiology. Making use of advanced imaging and minimally invasive techniques, radiology has become a viable option for many medical needs, including those of pulsatile tinnitus. Such techniques allow practitioners the ability to precisely target the area of the body in need of treatment with unprecedented levels of accuracy. Thus, treatments are less invasive and offer a decreased risk of infection or other complications that could otherwise arise from traditional techniques.
The evolution of interventional radiology has given providers the ability to surgically treat the source of the tinnitus when all other options have proven ineffective. Such treatments may include nerve compression, sigmoid sinus decompression, or the occlusion of veins or arteries. By accessing these pathways through small incisions made in the exterior of the body, medical practitioners are able to make surgical repairs within the interior of the body and provide relief from the tinnitus felt by the patients.
Dealing with frustration and anxiety
Pulsatile tinnitus can create a great deal of disturbance, which can be draining, both emotionally and physically. It is important to bear in mind that there are strategies to deal with the disease and control your symptoms. Making sure you are receiving enough rest, exercising, and taking part in stress-relieving activities is one of the greatest ways to start. Additionally, it is critical to learn how to shift your attention away from the noise. This can entail concentrating on a job, a hobby, or simply on meditation.
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