Why can I hear my heartbeat in my ear?

Question

When I lay down and put my ear (usually left ear) to the pillow, I can distinctively hear my heartbeat. It sounds like it's coming from right behind my eardrum. It freaks me out sometimes and I get all panicky but I know I shouldn't.

But seriously, what causes this?

Answer 1

You have an artery which runs close to the eardrum.We all do.What you are hearing is the artery pulse as blood flows past.Essentially your heartbeat.When you press your eardrum to the pillow,you eliminate outside noise.This is what allows you to hear the beat so clearly.Perfectly normal,noting to worry about.

Answer 2

I think theres a pulsating lobe or vien in the temple region and when you lay on it it puts pressure on it and then you hear it through your ear

Its nothing to worry about. When i was younger I used to imagine it was a little army marching about and gettin up to all sorts of army man stuff in my head...

Answer 3

It could be fluid in your ear or possibly an ear infection, I knew someone that had an ear infection and they kept saying that they heard their heartbeat in their ear. A doctor could tell you the answer you are looking for.

Answer 4

I get this occasionally, I think maybe it has something to do with pressure and fluids in your ear.