Ringing of the ears, also known as “tinnitus,” is a condition that affects 50 to 60 million people in the United States. It is particularly common in people over the age of 55 and is strongly associated with hearing loss. However, this isn’t the only reason you could be experiencing this problem. A less obvious cause of ringing in the ears is temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD). Here are how these two issues are related.
What Is TMJ Dysfunction?
TMD is a condition that can affect someone’s ability to open and close their mouth comfortably. This is due to issues in the joints, muscles, and/or nerves of the jaw. Usually, this is caused by injury, but other factors can contribute. Some painful symptoms of TMD include frequent headaches, neck pain, earaches, and ringing in the ears.
How Are the Jaw and Ears Related?
Your temporomandibular joint is named after two different bones: the temporal bone, and the mandible. The temporal bone also houses your middle and inner ear, so when there is stress on that bone, it is putting pressure on your ear. This type of pressure can sometimes result in tinnitus. This condition can worsen as the temporal bone wears down from the jaw pressure.
How Can TMJ Dysfunction Be Addressed?
TMD can cause chronic discomfort. However, there are a variety of treatment options out there that can help to provide relief.
- Treatment with TENS Machine: TENS stands for “transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.” It involves the use of small electrode patches to send gentle electric currents into the muscles. This can help to reduce pain and inflammation and stimulate blood flow.
- Occlusal Splint: This is a small oral appliance that is typically worn at night. This helps to protect the teeth from unconscious clenching and grinding as well as keeping the jaw in a more relaxed and natural position.
- Equilibrations/Occlusal Adjustment: When teeth don’t come together properly, the jaw muscles may unconsciously try to force them into position. With an equilibration, small adjustments are made to the teeth so that everything lines up.
- BOTOX Injections: BOTOX isn’t solely used as a cosmetic treatment. It can also be used for overactive jaw muscles. This can provide immediate TMD relief and stop chronic teeth grinding.
There may be more to your tinnitus than just hearing loss. Your TMJ could be the culprit. To find out if TMJ Therapy is right for you, reach out to your dentist so you can get on a path toward relief!
About the Author
Dr. Sara Saba earned her undergraduate and doctorate degrees from the University of Maryland at College Park. After completing her formal education, she finished additional courses to expand her knowledge and skills. This includes FastBraces®, Invisalign®, and BOTOX®/dermal fillers. Dr. Saba is also an LVI fellow, a Vivos Integrated provider, and a provider of Mandibular Advancement Devices. For more information on TMJ therapy or to schedule an appointment at her office in Silver Spring, visit her website or call (301) 460-3331.