A novel water occlusion test for disorders causing pulsatile tinnitus: Our experience in 32 patients

A novel water occlusion test for disorders causing pulsatile tinnitus: Our experience in 32 patients:

Abstract

Pulsatile tinnitus (PT) originates mainly from the vascular structures near the cochlea and the vascular sound is believed to be transmitted to the cochlea by bony or vascular structures.

Digital pressure test over the internal jugular vein ipsilateral to PT side is a simple test for differentiating venous from arterial PT by lessening venous flow.

Pulsation of dehiscent venous sinus wall itself can be a cause of PT and diagnosed when PT disappears during water occlusion test (WOT), filling the external auditory canal with water.

Turbulence by arteriovenous fistula increased the subjective intensity of PT when the external auditory canal was filled with water.

WOT results provide insights into the new pathophysiology of PT and help to optimize diagnostic and treatment options.