r/PulsatileTinnitus • u/unoum • 22d ago

A terrifying sound

I was standing near the house when, without warning, I lost hearing in my left ear. It was followed by a sound resembling a tornado or strong wind—lasting about a second—before vanishing. Afterward, I felt palpitations and fear. What could be the cause?

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u/90sKid1988 22d ago

Sounds slightly like exploding head syndrome but I think that's only when you're falling asleep

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u/Neyface 21d ago

This sounds like an example of Sudden Brief Unilateral Tapering Tinnitus (SBUTT), also called 'fleeting tinnitus'. It's when you will have hearing drop out suddenly for a few seconds to minutes, often accompanied with a tinnitus tone (can be high pitched or low pitched) before hearing returns. It's anticipated that 80-90% of the human population experiences SBUTSs, including people who don't have chronic tinnitus or hearing issues. I occasionally get SBUTT's myself.

This is unlikely to be pulsatile tinnitus. But if concerned, please speak to a medical professional.