Heartbeat in my ear

[rainmen]

I have a throbbing in my left ear. It sounds like a heartbeat in my ear. Sometimes it throbs, sometimes it is high pitched. I fell and hit my head 6 months ago. I am sure that has something to do with it. When I press on a vein behind my ear, the throbbing stops.

I seen my doctor, I have an appointment with an ENT and Neurologist.

Any ideas what it could be? Or an over the counter drug that might get rid of it?

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
There are some chiropractors that also also try to cure tinnitus. The effects vary from one person to another and depends highly on the underlying cause. You may want to consider other forms of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) such as different relaxation techniques, aromatherapy and acupuncture. Check the local CAM centers in your area. Take care always.

[rainmen]

Thank you very much for your quick responses. All advice is good at this time as this is very annoying.

One more quick question please: I've been reading about some Chiropractors treating tinnitus. Do you know anything about this? I never thought I'd ever get a session of Chiropracting, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? Tinnitus is ringing or other type of noise that seems to originate in the ear or head. In many cases it is not a serious problem, but it can also be due to fluid, infection, or disease of the middle ear bones or ear drum (tympanic membrane). This can also be attributed to head trauma or injury as in your case. There are some studies that show tinnitus from injury may be more severe than the usual causes of tinnitus. Unfortunately, this can not be cured or removed by an over-the-counter drug. In order to lessen the intensity of tinnitus, it is advisable to avoid exposure to loud sounds and noises, decrease salt intake, avoid nerve stimulants such as coffee and tobacco, exercise, reduce anxiety and utilize masking noise.  A competing sound such as a ticking clock, a radio, a fan or white noise machine may help mask tinnitus and may help reduce the awareness of the tinnitus. Take care and regards.