Pulsatile Tinnitus and the Intrameatal Vascular Loop: Why Do We Not Hear Our Carotids?

Abstract

Vascular loops in the internal auditory canal may generate pulsatile tinnitus. It may be treated by placing Teflon between the cochlea and the intrameatal vascular loop. One then does not hear the pulsation of the carotids due to a dampening effect of a pericarotid venous plexus.