Experts Warn If You Hear A 'Heartbeat' In Your Ear, It Could Be A Sign Of A Deadly Condition

A medical expert has issued an important warning about a specific symptom that could indicate a life-threatening condition.

At some point in your life, you've probably noticed a ringing sound in your ears. It could be the aftermath of blasting music at a concert, or maybe the result of your sibling smacking you upside the head. Either way, it’s a pretty common occurrence.

However, if you ever notice a rhythmic sound in your ear - something resembling a heartbeat - you might want to pay attention. It could be a sign of something much more serious.

Dr Ahmed Abd Elbary has urged people to be wary of this hearing symptom dra_says/TikTok

One TikTok user shared a video describing a strange ‘whooshing’ noise in her ear, and after visiting her doctor, she was told it could be linked to an aneurysm.

Dr. Ahmed Abd Elbary responded to her concerns in a video, urging viewers to take this symptom seriously.

"If you have got this, it is something you should definitely bring up with your doctor," he warned.

Dr. Ahmed explained that hearing a pulsing sound in your ear is known as Pulsatile Tinnitus (PT).

According to Penn Medicine, individuals experiencing PT often describe it as a ‘rhythmic thumping, whooshing, or throbbing’ in one or both ears.

The medical center further clarifies: "Pulsatile tinnitus differs from the more common, constant form of tinnitus. While even pulsatile tinnitus is often benign, it is more likely to have an identifiable source and may be the first sign of a more serious underlying condition."

Apparently around 5 million Americans suffer with PT symptoms Getty Stock Images

Dr. Ahmed elaborated that this pulsing sensation is typically caused by changes in blood flow or an increased awareness of blood movement through tiny vessels inside the ear.

Factors that can alter blood flow include things like intense physical exercise, pregnancy, an overactive thyroid, or anemia.

But in some cases, the cause might be far more concerning.

"Sometimes, your blood flow can become more turbulent, and the most common causes for this are things like aneurysms and atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries)," he explained.

There’s also the possibility that a tumor could be to blame. Dr. Ahmed added: "You can also get something called localised increased blood flow which means a particular blood vessel has an increased supply to it. This most often is down to a tumour."

He reassured that while tumors can be alarming, most growths linked to PT tend to be benign rather than cancerous.

In many cases, PT resolves on its own. However, experts strongly advise seeking medical attention if you experience this symptom. A doctor can determine the cause and assess whether further testing is needed.