What symptom may result from pressure or stimulation in the external auditory canal?

Mild nausea or reflexive cough can indeed occur due to pressure or stimulation in the external auditory canal. This phenomenon is often related to the stimulation of the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, which innervates parts of the external ear and the external auditory canal. When pressure is applied or there is significant stimulation in that area, it can trigger a reflex that leads to symptoms such as nausea or a cough.

This reflex response can occur as the body reacts to what it interprets as an irritant or pressure, showcasing how interconnected the auditory system is with the nervous system. Reflexive cough, in particular, is a known response in medical contexts involving stimulation of the outer ear.

The relationship between the external ear and the vagus nerve exemplifies the complex interplay of anatomy and physiology within the auditory system and explains why these particular symptoms may arise from stimulation in the external auditory canal.