Hearing a ‘Heartbeat’ in Your Ears?

If you’ve ever noticed a rhythmic “whooshing” or heartbeat-like sound in your ears, you’re not alone—and it’s something you shouldn’t ignore. While occasional ringing or buzzing after a loud concert or shout is common, persistent or pulsating sounds can signal something more serious.

Experts say that about one in three people experience what’s known as pulsatile tinnitus (PT)—a condition where you hear steady or rhythmic sounds like ringing, buzzing, hissing, or even a heartbeat in your ears. These noises can come and go or persist, and they often get louder when your heart rate rises, like during exercise or stress.

Dr. Ahmed Abd Elbary (@Dra_says on TikTok) explains that while PT is usually harmless, sometimes it can indicate underlying issues. “Your blood flow can become more turbulent, and the most common causes are aneurysms or atherosclerosis—when arteries narrow,” he says.