Hearing your heartbeat in your ear is usually called pulsatile tinnitus. It often sounds like a whooshing, thumping, or pulsing noise that follows your heartbeat. This happens when blood flow or pressure changes near the ear make sound easier to notice or transmit.
Possible causes include blood vessel changes near the ear, high blood pressure, anemia, thyroid problems, head injury, raised pressure around the brain, or structural changes in nearby veins. Some causes are minor, but others can involve blood vessels or pressure problems that need proper evaluation.
This symptom is different from regular ringing in the ears because it has a clear rhythm with the pulse. It may be more noticeable when lying down, after activity, or in a quiet room. If it is new, one-sided, persistent, or comes with headache, dizziness, hearing loss, vision changes, weakness, or neurologic symptoms, it should be checked promptly.
Do not try to treat it with over-the-counter ear drops or medication unless advised by a clinician. An ENT specialist is the most appropriate doctor to evaluate this, and imaging may be needed to look for the underlying cause.