Have you ever experienced a low humming sound in your ears, like a buzzing or hissing noise that’s especially noticeable when you’re trying to sleep? This could be a sign of pulsatile tinnitus.

For the fifth consecutive year, the World Journal has partnered with NewYork-Presbyterian Queens Hospital (NYPQ) to offer an online health lecture series designed to provide readers with expert medical knowledge and the latest information. The latest lecture, titled “Pulsatile Tinnitus,” premiered on October 9 on the World Journal website (worldjournal.com) and the World e-Life YouTube channel. Featured speaker Dr. Srikanth R Boddu, MD; M.Sc; MRCS; FRCR, is the Director of Interventional Neurosurgery at NYPQ and an Associate Professor at Weill Cornell Medicine. He shares his insights on the symptoms and treatment of pulsatile tinnitus.

Tinnitus refers to the sensation of hearing sounds in the absence of external noise, often experienced as ringing, buzzing, or hissing. Tinnitus can be temporary or persistent, with a wide range of underlying causes. Common issues include hearing loss, ear problems, stress, anxiety, side effects from medications, and systemic health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Pulsatile tinnitus specifically refers to persistent ringing that requires timely treatment to avoid impacting one’s quality of life. Whether in a quiet setting or amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, this sound can be distracting, make it hard to concentrate, and even disrupt sleep. For ongoing tinnitus, it’s crucial to seek medical advice to eliminate potential health risks. Arterial and venous causes contribute to 15-20% of tinnitus cases, while the majority—80-85%—are in patients with underlying venous issues such as narrowing or diverticula. It’s important to understand that, while vascular issues related to arteries and veins affect a small group, those patients face a much higher risk of bleeding or stroke compared to those with no underlying venous problems. With precise imaging techniques like MRI, MRA, or MRV, along with personalized treatment, pulsatile tinnitus is quite easy to address and can be effectively managed to restore peace in one’s life.

To watch Dr. Boddu’s full lecture, visit bit.ly/2024nypq10 or scan the QR code included in this article. After viewing, participants can fill out a feedback questionnaire for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card, so don’t miss this opportunity!

The expert teams in interventional neurosurgery and neuro-radiology at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens Hospital utilize advanced medical technologies to treat arteriovenous malformations, brain aneurysms, carotid artery stenosis, dural arteriovenous fistulas, idiopathic intracranial hypertension, pulsatile tinnitus, vertebral compression fractures, lower back pain, and spinal care. If you need assistance, call 718-303-3739 to make an appointment.

Additionally, the Och Spine team at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens Hospital specializes in treating various back and neck disorders. This team includes renowned experts such as neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, and pain management specialists, along with a rehabilitation team of physical and occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists, offering multidisciplinary care for all ages—ranging from everyday back pain to complex spinal tumors and deformities. Comprehensive outpatient services are available in Flushing, Long Island City, Fresh Meadows, Forest Hills, and Jackson Heights. For services, please call 646-317-7463 to schedule an appointment. For more details, contact the Community Health Development Department at 718-670-1178.

In response to the pandemic, NYPQ and the World Journal transitioned from in-person community lectures to online health seminars in 2020. Over the past four years, they have released numerous videos covering various health topics of significant interest to the public, along with pandemic-related information, analyzing different medical subjects, and receiving a robust response from readers and the Chinese community, reaching tens of thousands of viewers with valuable health information and resources.