Venous Sinus Stenting for Pulsatile Tinnitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Pulsatile tinnitus (PT) is frequently caused by venous sinus stenosis and may be associated with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). Venous sinus stenting (VSS) directly addresses venous outflow obstruction and has emerged as a therapeutic option; however, outcome data remain heterogeneous....

Audiologists managing patients with pulsatile tinnitus should be aware that venous sinus stenting shows promising resolution rates in select patients with venous sinus stenosis, but referral to neurointerventional radiology or neurology is the appropriate pathway — no direct change to audiology-side management is warranted without further high-quality RCT evidence.

A systematic meta-analysis on venous sinus stenting for pulsatile tinnitus provides the highest-level evidence yet on this emerging intervention and may shift referral patterns for a condition that audiologists frequently encounter but cannot treat with conventional hearing aids alone.

1. 01Systematic review and meta-analysis published in Otology & Neurotology (2026) on venous sinus stenting for pulsatile tinnitus.
2. 02Targets patients with venous sinus stenosis, including those with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH).
3. 03Pulsatile tinnitus is a rhythmic ear noise matching the heartbeat, distinct from the constant ringing of subjective tinnitus.
4. 04Meta-analyses pool data from multiple studies to estimate overall treatment success rates.
5. 05Findings may guide referral decisions for audiologists who identify patients with pulsatile tinnitus.

PMID

42476523

DOI

10.1097/MAO.0000000000005016.

Journal

Otology & Neurotology

Publication type

meta_analysis

Evidence level

1a

Population

Patients with pulsatile tinnitus due to venous sinus stenosis, including those with idiopathic intracranial hypertension

Intervention

Venous sinus stenting