hi all, about a month ago i started hearing a rapid clicking noise originating from my throat. it is not in sync with my heartbeat, and it continues when i hold my breath. its not an issue of clicking when i swallow or breathe, it's completely random, however it seems to happen more often when i'm laying down. other people can hear it too and it's driving me insane! to describe the noise, it's not like a "click...click...click...." but instead it's a "clickclickclickclickclick......clickclickclickclickclick......" very fast, rapid clicks with a pause in between. when i sit up it seems to come from the roof of my mouth, when i'm lying down all the way down sounds like it's from my chest, and lying halfway down it's from my neck. when i turn my head one way the sound seems to move!! i used a stethoscope to try and locate the true origin of it and it seems loudest when i press against my throat beneath my jaw. that being said, it's louder without the stethoscope! i'm so confused. does anyone have any ideas as to what this could be?? please help!!
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There are a number of possibilities for sounds originating in the throat or neck region. Some potential considerations include:
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Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: This is a condition where the tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat (eustachian tube) doesn't open and close properly. It can sometimes produce clicking or popping sounds.
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Palatal Myoclonus: This is a rapid spasm of the muscles in the roof of the mouth (palate). It can produce a rhythmic clicking noise.
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TMJ Dysfunction: The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is where the jawbone meets the skull. Issues with this joint or its associated structures can lead to various sounds, including clicking or popping.
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Laryngospasm or other throat muscle spasms: Involuntary contractions of the muscles in the throat can potentially produce sound.
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Vascular anomalies or issues: Sometimes sounds can be vascular in nature, especially if they are rhythmic.
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Foreign body or mass: Though rarer, any foreign body or mass in the throat or neck area can potentially lead to sounds.
The fact that you can influence the sound by changing your position or orientation suggests that it might be related to anatomical structures shifting or moving differently based on your posture.
Given the uniqueness and complexity of your symptoms, it's crucial to see a medical professional, such as an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They can conduct a comprehensive examination, take your medical history, and possibly order imaging or other tests to get to the root of the issue.
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