That rhythmic sound — called pulsatile tinnitus — often comes from turbulent blood flow in your carotid artery. A carotid ultrasound checks for narrowing or plaque, and you can get one this week at home.
That rhythmic whooshing in your ear — pulsatile tinnitus — often comes from turbulent blood flow in your carotid artery. A carotid ultrasound checks for narrowing or plaque, and you can get one this week at home. No referral needed. We come to you. Results in 24–48 hours.
The carotid arteries are the primary blood vessels supplying the brain, running up each side of the neck. When plaque accumulates on the arterial walls, the opening narrows and blood is forced through a tighter channel at higher velocity — a phenomenon called turbulent flow. This turbulence can produce an audible sound that travels to the inner ear, perceived as a rhythmic whooshing synchronized with the heartbeat. This is called a bruit, and it is one of the key clinical signs of carotid stenosis. A carotid duplex ultrasound can measure the degree of narrowing and quantify blood flow velocity — directly identifying whether stenosis is present and how severe it is.
Chronically elevated blood pressure causes the arterial walls to become thicker and less elastic over time. When vessel walls stiffen, the pulsatile nature of blood flow becomes amplified — meaning each heartbeat creates a stronger wave through the arteries. This increased pressure wave can be perceived as a pulsing sound in the ears. High blood pressure also accelerates plaque buildup, which compounds the turbulence. A carotid ultrasound can identify early wall changes associated with hypertension, even before significant stenosis develops.
Less commonly, pulsatile tinnitus can arise from vascular malformations, arteriovenous fistulas, or venous abnormalities near the ear. These are typically identified through further imaging if the carotid arteries appear normal on ultrasound. Starting with a carotid duplex is the right first step — it addresses the most clinically significant and common vascular cause, and it can be done at home without a referral.
Pulsatile tinnitus is different from the constant ringing most people associate with hearing loss. It pulses — it matches your heartbeat — and that tells you it has a vascular origin. Carotid artery stenosis is the most important cause to rule out, not because the sound itself is dangerous, but because significant stenosis substantially increases stroke risk. Plaque in the carotid artery can fragment and travel to the brain, blocking blood flow and causing a stroke or TIA (mini-stroke).
The earlier stenosis is identified, the more options exist: medication management, lifestyle changes, or in advanced cases, surgical intervention. A carotid duplex ultrasound is a non-invasive way to get the full picture of what is happening in those arteries — velocity measurements, plaque characterization, and percent stenosis, all from a 30-minute scan at your home.
The scan is simple and takes about 30–45 minutes:
This is called pulsatile tinnitus. The most common vascular cause is turbulent blood flow in the carotid artery due to narrowing or plaque. High blood pressure and less common vascular anomalies near the ear can also produce this symptom. A carotid duplex ultrasound can identify carotid stenosis, measure blood flow velocity, and detect significant plaque.
Pulsatile tinnitus is not a stroke, but carotid artery stenosis — one of its common causes — does raise stroke risk. Detecting significant narrowing early allows for intervention before a stroke occurs.
It evaluates plaque buildup, measures the percentage of arterial narrowing (stenosis), and records blood flow velocities. High velocities indicate areas of narrowing. No needles, no radiation — 30–45 minutes at your home.
No referral required. You book directly. The flat fee is $397, all-inclusive. If you have a referring physician, we send the report to them as well.
Southern Maine · Mobile Service
Book your carotid duplex ultrasound this week. We come to you — no referral, no waiting room. Written results in 24–48 hours.
Book Your Carotid Ultrasound$397 · No Referral · Southern Maine · Evening & Weekend Availability