The temporomandibular (tem-po-roh-man-DIB-u-lur) joint is a hinge-like joint that connects the jawbone to the skull. There’s one on either side of the jaw, located just under the ears. TMJ disorders occur in the joint and muscles that control jaw movement, causing pain in the jaw or a clicking sound or grating feeling when you chew.
Tinnitus is an audiological and neurological condition characterized by a ringing, buzzing or humming sound in the ears with no external source. It’s very common: over 50 million Americans are estimated to suffer from tinnitus. The causes of tinnitus vary, but there is increasing evidence of a link between TMJ disorders and tinnitus.
How TMJ Can Affect Tinnitus
The temporomandibular joint and the ear are right next to each other on the skull, sharing several pathways and nerve connections. This means that dysfunction in the joint can directly impact the ear and auditory system. Here are some ways that can happen:
- Shared nerve connections. An irritation to the TM joint presses the nerve it shares with the ear, sending signals to the brain that the brain then interprets as a sound.
- Inflammation. If the TM joint or its surrounding tissues become inflamed, they press against the ear canal, affecting ear pressure and potentially making tinnitus more noticeable.
- Muscle tightness. A TMJ disorder causes tightness in the muscles in the ear and jaw. These muscles also play a role in sound modulation, so if they are tensed, sounds in the ear could be warped.
How to Tell If Tinnitus Is Linked to TMJ
If moving, pressing on or manipulating your jaw affects your tinnitus, it may be connected to your temporomandibular joint or a TMJ disorder. This can present differently in individuals, and can be as diverse as an increase in tinnitus volume when you open your mouth or a change in pitch when you clench your teeth.
Treatment
If tinnitus is related to a TMJ disorder, seeing a TMJ specialist may help. Dental treatment, jaw relaxation therapy or bite realignment may also relieve the problem.
There are also tinnitus management strategies, such as acoustic therapy or tinnitus retraining therapy, to make tinnitus less of a distraction in your daily life. Audiology Associates of Redding is available to help you discover the management plan that best suits your lifestyle. We will be with you on your tinnitus management journey.
Audiology Associates of Redding can also help you determine the underlying causes of your tinnitus and customize a management plan to manage your symptoms. Call today for more information or to schedule a tinnitus evaluation.