Pulsatile Tinnitus: Diagnostic Approach and Treatment Strategies

While nonpulsatile tinnitus (constant buzzing sound) is a common condition many people learn to live with, pulsatile tinnitus (sound that occurs with each heartbeat) may indicate dangerous otological or vascular conditions. Erika McCarty Walsh, M.D., a neurotologist, and Jesse Jones, M.D., a neuroradiologist, discuss the complex process of determining whether patients have pulsatile tinnitus, what the causes are, and which treatments might be considered necessary. Drs. Walsh and Jones describe their collaborative approach to making sure that patients address any dangerous conditions and otherwise learn to manage their pulsatile tinnitus.