Diagnosed with Pulsatile Tinnitus: Doctor Wants a CT Scan — Insurance Won't Cover It: Do I Need It?

[Deepa v]

Hello,

I visited an ENT recently and came out that I have pulsatile tinnitus in my right Ear! I have been facing this for more than one year.

The doctor suggested a CT scan to find the main cause!

I can hear that sound more when I am in anger/worried about something!

My question is should I need to go with CT scan? My insurance doesn't cover at this time so just want to check if this is something serious that I need to be worried? What are the possibilities of the CT scan being normal?

Thank you!

 

[Mister Muso]

I've had pulsatile tinnitus since a loud concert 13 years ago when a loud pyrotechnics explosion during the show caused temporary hearing loss and a low-pitched rumbling in the centre of my head. I then got loud high and medium pitch tones in spring 2019, again through loud music. I know, I never learn. The low pulsatile tinnitus also became louder.

The initial pulsatile tinnitus didn't come on right away, but in the weeks and months that followed the concert I became more aware of it. I really should have gone to a hospital because of the temporary hearing loss though.

Caveat:

I never had a CT or MRI scan, but for some it may be a good idea, if it comes on with no obvious cause.

 

[WIllyC]

@Deepa v I'd take any scan I was able to get but I hear more stories of people being diagnosed with MRA/MRV.

@Mister Muso Mine also followed an acoustic insult by about 6 weeks. In theory it shouldn't be related but I've wondered if maybe it caused an inner ear infection that led to structural changes resulting in the PT. I felt a lot of tube draining when it was at its peak.

 

[tiniturtle]

Yes you need it, but an MRA/MRV is more appropriate for diagnosis.

I've had pulsatile tinnitus since a loud concert 13 years ago when a loud pyrotechnics explosion during the show caused temporary hearing loss and a low-pitched rumbling in the centre of my head. I then got loud high and medium pitch tones in spring 2019, again through loud music. I know, I never learn. The low pulsatile tinnitus also became louder.

The initial pulsatile tinnitus didn't come on right away, but in the weeks and months that followed the concert I became more aware of it. I really should have gone to a hospital because of the temporary hearing loss though.

Caveat:

I never had a CT or MRI scan, but for some it may be a good idea, if it comes on with no obvious cause.

That technically is not pulsatile tinnitus.

 

[WIllyC]

That technically is not pulsatile tinnitus.

Even if it is 100% cardio synchronous? Why not?

 

[Mister Muso]

Yes you need it, but an MRA/MRV is more appropriate for diagnosis.

That technically is not pulsatile tinnitus.

I'm aware it isn't normally linked with NIHL, but in my case I can't link it with any other possible cause.

 

[WIllyC]

I'm aware it isn't normally linked with NIHL, but in my case I can't link it with any other possible cause.

Maybe an indirect link?

I drank too much and listened to music too loud. That same night of drinking may have triggered or made worse some vascular problem which surfaced my pulsatile tinnitus in the following weeks (I have completely given up drinking because of pulsatile tinnitus just on the off chance this was the cause).

Another possibility- NIHL caused anxiety over the following weeks that led to some physical stresses, maybe causing somatosensory pulsatile tinnitus.

I'm just proposing there can be a link that isn't as direct as it being caused by the NIHL itself. Not proposing you are as foolish as me and did this to yourself with booze or worry

 

[Mister Muso]

Maybe an indirect link?

I drank too much and listened to music too loud. That same night of drinking may have triggered or made worse some vascular problem which surfaced my pulsatile tinnitus in the following weeks (I have completely given up drinking because of pulsatile tinnitus just on the off chance this was the cause).

Another possibility- NIHL caused anxiety over the following weeks that led to some physical stresses, maybe causing somatosensory pulsatile tinnitus.

I'm just proposing there can be a link that isn't as direct as it being caused by the NIHL itself. Not proposing you are as foolish as me and did this to yourself with booze or worry

Maybe. Who knows?

I don't remember that stage being a stressful one in my life, other than the fact that I had become a dad in 2004 and again in 2006. But they were generally happy times.

Maybe getting one form of hearing issue is a sign that the hearing system is already compromised, and is therefore likely to exhibit other symptoms. I have read though that an explosion can cause low-frequency tinnitus, which I came to realise definitely has pulsatile behaviour. I know that various factors can cause pulsatile tinnitus. Considering I've had it for 13 years I don't think mine is anything to be too worried about.

And I haven't been a big drinker since my student days when I almost died from alcohol poisoning one Freshers Week - but that's another story!