Pulsating Noise in My Right Ear and Throat Pressure: Should I Be Concerned?
Age: 56 Gender: Female Height: 5 feet 4 inches Weight: 135 pounds Ethnicity: Caucasian Duration of Symptoms: Recently began Affected Areas: Right ear and throat Relevant Medical History: None reported Current Medications: Wellbutrin 300 mg, Lexapro 5 mg, Jornay PM 80 mg I’ve been experiencing a whooshing noise in my right ear, particularly noticeable when I lean forward or stretch my body completely. This sound coincides with my heartbeats. Over the last week or two, the intensity of this sound has increased significantly. Additionally, I’ve begun to feel a sensation of pressure in my throat on the right side, especially while swallowing. If I gently press on that area, it triggers a cough. Should I consider this a pressing health concern?
Answers (1)
8/10/2025, 2:10:53 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about a new and noticeable change in your body, especially with symptoms like a pulsating noise in the ear and throat pressure. These symptoms may relate to several benign conditions, but it's essential to pay attention to them, particularly since the intensity has increased.
Explanation:
The whooshing noise in your right ear that aligns with your heartbeat is known as pulsatile tinnitus. This can sometimes occur due to various reasons, including increased blood flow to the ear, changes in blood vessels, or even the position of nearby structures in the neck. The pressure in your throat, especially when swallowing, could be related to muscle tension, an ear-related issue, or even digestive factors. The fact that pressing on that area triggers a cough may suggest some irritation or sensitivity in the throat.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of when these sounds and throat sensations occur. Note any activities that seem to worsen the symptoms, as well as any new symptoms (like pain or changes in swallowing).
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Hydrate and Rest: Ensure you're staying well-hydrated and getting adequate rest. Sometimes dehydration or fatigue can exacerbate symptoms.
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Posture Awareness: Pay attention to your posture. Since you mentioned that leaning forward or stretching makes the sound more noticeable, be mindful of your body position in those moments, and try to adjust.
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Gentle Neck Exercises: Consider gentle neck stretches to relieve any muscle tension, but stop if it worsens your symptoms.
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Limit Irritants: Avoid smoking, excessive caffeine, and loud noises that may exacerbate both the tinnitus and throat pressure.
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Evaluate Stress Levels: If applicable, find ways to manage stress and anxiety, as they can physically manifest in various ways, including exacerbating symptoms like throat tightness or heightened awareness of bodily sounds.
While these symptoms can often be benign, if they worsen or you develop new symptoms (like significant pain, difficulty swallowing, or persistent cough), further attention would be warranted. Keeping an eye on your symptoms and following these steps may help you manage the situation better. Please take care and monitor how things progress.
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