Tinnitus and Tinnitus-Like Symptoms in Cerebral Venous Outflow Disorders: A Critical Review

Venous pulsatile tinnitus and tinnitus-like symptoms associated with internal jugular venous outflow disturbance represent an emerging clinical topic with specific diagnostic and management challenges. A narrative review was conducted using English-language literature identified through searches of PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar....

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Audiologists evaluating patients with pulsatile tinnitus (tinnitus that pulses in sync with the heartbeat) should be aware that internal jugular venous outflow disorders are an underrecognized cause; referral pathways to vascular/neurology specialists should be considered, though no new clinical protocol is established by this review alone.

Venous pulsatile tinnitus from cerebral outflow disorders is frequently misdiagnosed, and this review highlights a gap in multidisciplinary awareness that could improve outcomes for a subset of patients presenting to audiology clinics.

1. 01Pulsatile tinnitus can be caused by internal jugular venous outflow disturbances, not just inner-ear disorders.
2. 02Cerebral venous outflow disorders are underrecognized as a tinnitus etiology in clinical practice.
3. 03Diagnosis requires vascular imaging and multidisciplinary involvement beyond standard audiological workup.
4. 04Management options and diagnostic challenges for venous tinnitus are critically reviewed.
5. 05Published in JoVE (Journal of Visualized Experiments), 2026; narrative review design limits strength of recommendations.

PMID

42825490

DOI

10.3791/72090.

Journal

Journal of Visualized Experiments

Publication type

review

Evidence level

5

Population

Patients with pulsatile tinnitus or tinnitus-like symptoms associated with cerebral venous outflow disorders

Intervention

Diagnostic and management strategies for venous pulsatile tinnitus