In 2005 I had a combination right tear duct surgery (DCR) and multi-procedure sinus surgery. After that surgery and intermittently each day since then, I have heard a heart beat in my right ear. I am now used to it. One of the times I am most aware of the one-sided pulsation is when I am lying in bed very relaxed.  There is no pain or other physiological distress. 

In 2013 I saw a couple of audiologists for hearing aide evaluation. One of the routine questions was to the effect, “Do you ever hear a heartbeat in your ear?” The audiologist urged follow-up evaluation ASAP. When I went for the follow-up appointment , the ENT said “I don`t know how aggressive we should get”. Upon my insistence, he ordered the tests to rule out glomus tumor, dural AVM and carotid stenosis.

After the tests, the doctor mainly reported that the tests (including MRI) were negative. Later, when I asked for a copy of the progress note, I read “Idiopathic right pulsatile tinnitus most consistent with disturbed blood flow in the jugular vein.”

My question for you: Though the added pulsation is not a problem to me in my quality of life, is “disturbed blood flow in the jugular vein” a reason to be concerned about stroke risk, monitoring viscosity of blood, etc.? I am a 71-year-old lady and my general health is very good.