Diagnosis and cure of venous hum tinnitus

Abstract

Sounds arising from abnormalities of or abnormal communications between blood vessels in the neck or cranial cavity may result in objective tinnitus. It is audible to patient and examiner alike. Contrary to the usual subjective tinnitus of non-vascular origin, it is low pitched and pulsatile in character. That tinnitus which arises from and within the internal jugular vein is particularly important, as it may be loud enough to interfere with sleep, and result in some loss of hearing. Diagnosis is important as it can be cured by simple ligation of the internal jugular vein. Such a case is reported.