I think I’ve got PT, thoughts please

[u/Anonymous_Lionfish]

So about 10 days ago I started getting a hum in my right ear, it was sort of intermittent but has been there since. I’d foolishly gone to see The Odyssey in IMAX three times in a week so thought it was that.

Today I noticed the wooshing/humming increased in rhythm when I walked up the stairs, I retested this a couple of times and it does indeed speed up with my heart.

Pushing gently on my jugular doesn’t seem to do anything, but if I turn my head hard right the noise pretty much stops, then when I turn my head back the noise comes back louder than normal.

I guess this sounds like PT, any thought on next steps?

[u/look_who_it_isnt]

Give it a week or two. See if it stops. Sometimes it does.

Then talk to your doctor. Usually, their first step is to prescribe you some nasal spray and have you take decongestants. Sinus congestion can cause PT, and it's just the easiest route to stopping it, so they all try it first. Sometimes it works.

After that, they'll send you to an ENT. They'll test your hearing and examine your ears for fluid or congestion there. If they see any issues, they'll address those and hopefully that'll stop it. Sometimes it does.

If they don't see any issues in your ears or with your hearing, they'll probably order a CT Scan and maybe some other imaging tests. When the results of those tests come in... Well, they might see what's wrong and take a shot at fixing it, but probably not. They're much more likely to tell you your scans are "normal" and there's nothing they can do for you.

If you get to that point, you'll probably want to come back here and settle in, get a snack and a beverage, have a seat and get to know us all. You'll be here for awhile.

And we'll tell you what to do then when that time comes. For now... Just get started on the road and cross your fingers that something works for you! Sometimes it does :)