You’re snuggled up in bed, trying desperately to fall asleep, but you swear you hear it: a constant ringing in your ears. This is a common experience for those with tinnitus, a condition that can make you hear ringing, humming, or a dull roar that is not created by an external source. Tinnitus symptoms can range from mildly irritating to downright debilitating depending on how loud the perceived sounds become.
With that textbook definition out of the way, you might be wondering what the TMJ (temporomandibular joint – a joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull) has to do with chronic ear-ringing. The connection is a detailed one, so you’ll have to keep reading to get the scoop!
Subjective vs. Objective Tinnitus
First thing’s first. Research suggests that TMJ disorders can cause subjective tinnitus. This is the type that most people are familiar with – the noises are only heard by the person with the condition, and have no identifiable source.
Though rare, it is possible for tinnitus symptoms to be heard by another person. This is objective tinnitus, and it’s usually caused by circulation issues or anatomical abnormalities.
How TMJ Disorders Cause Subjective Tinnitus
Compared to tinnitus, TMJ disorders are straightforward. Alignment issues, injury, or tension puts excessive pressure on the jaw and TMJ, often leading to discomfort, “clicking,” or stiffness while opening and closing the mouth. Researchers are still working to understand subjective tinnitus, but they do know many people with TMJ disorders also experience the condition, and they have a solid theory as to why.
There’s a part of the inner ear called the cochlea. It’s responsible for translating sound waves into the car horns, rustling leaves, and other noises you hear throughout your day. It also happens to be incredibly close to the TMJ. Experts believe that inflammation and irritation near the TMJ strains or damages the cochlea, leading to tinnitus.
Will Treating a TMJ Disorder Get Rid of Tinnitus?
Studies do show that when tinnitus is related to TMJ problems, moving the head and jaw reduces noisy symptoms. Addressing a TMJ disorder with a custom nightguard, occlusal splint, or other treatments does seem to alleviate tinnitus.
More research needs to be done in order to fully understand the connection between TMJ disorders and tinnitus. But in the meantime, visiting your dentist for treatment can be an effective way to calm the ringing in your ears. It’s worth giving them a call to see whether TMJ treatment is right for you!
About the Practice
At Dental Group West, our experienced dentists can treat your TMJ disorder with a custom nightguard, occlusal splint, and supplemental therapies. Dr. Tracy Poole has completed advanced courses at Occlusion Connections (a teaching center specializing in neuromuscular issues like TMJ disorders), making her well-qualified to personalize your treatment plan. If you’d like to address the constant ringing in your ears, contact our office at 419-539-2168 and schedule your consultation today.