What is the Difference Between Tinnitus and Pulsatile Tinnitus?

Tinnitus and pulsatile tinnitus are both conditions where a person hears noises in their ears or head that have no external source. However, there are some key differences between the two:

1. Type of sound: Tinnitus is usually described as a high-pitched ringing, buzzing, clicking, hissing, or roaring sound, while pulsatile tinnitus is a rhythmic sound that may be related to the blood vessels near the ears, often matching the rate of the heartbeat.
2. Causes: Tinnitus can be caused by factors such as hearing loss, physical trauma to the ears, ototoxic medication, and loud noise exposure. Pulsatile tinnitus, on the other hand, is often related to vascular conditions and may be caused by a vascular tumor or a blood vessel disorder.
3. Prevalence: Tinnitus is a common condition, affecting millions of people. Pulsatile tinnitus is a rare form of tinnitus, accounting for about 10% of the estimated 50 million tinnitus cases.
4. Identifiable source: Pulsatile tinnitus is more likely to have an identifiable source and may be the first sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as a vascular malformation, obstruction, or a glomus tumor.

Both conditions can be chronic or short-lived, and tinnitus may be experienced in both ears (bilateral tinnitus) or in only one ear (unilateral tinnitus). If you suspect you have either tinnitus or pulsatile tinnitus, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and appropriate treatment.

Comparative Table: Tinnitus vs Pulsatile Tinnitus

Tinnitus and pulsatile tinnitus are both conditions related to the perception of sound, but they differ in terms of their causes and the nature of the sounds heard. Here is a summary of their differences:

In summary, tinnitus is typically characterized by sounds like ringing, buzzing, clicking, or roaring, and often has no identifiable physical source. On the other hand, pulsatile tinnitus is a rare condition where the sound heard is more like a whooshing or pulsing noise, often related to vascular changes or abnormalities within the body.