I am making a good recovery following surgery in early March 2024 to replace my Aortic Valve. I am experiencing a constant thumping sound in sync with my heart beat and felt between my ears somewhere in the back of my neck. Anyone might experience this after strenuous exercise as the blood is rushing along the carotid artery. However I experience this all the time including at rest. Background noise during the day helps distract the feeling but if i wake up on the middle of the night it is most disturbing and I have to have the radio on quietly to help me back to sleep.
My valve was a tissue one and thus not necessarily associated with noise. I have spoken with my GP, with a cardiac nurse and with Tinnitus.org. Symptoms are similar to Pulsatile Tinnitus but but there is no agreement as to the cause or treatment. Is it an ENT matter, a cardiac matter or neurological ?
Please reply if you have any theories and especially if you have experienced anything like this.
I have an Echocardiogram booked for next month.
Graham b
