Tinnitus and Disorders of the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is largely associated with age- or noise-related hearing loss.
People with subjective tinnitus hear disquieting sounds, such as ringing, buzzing, and humming, that are imperceptible to others. This condition becomes more common as people age and begin to lose their hearing.
Tinnitus associated with tms disorders affects a younger demographic. It is more common in people who were assigned female at birth than in people who were assigned male at birth.
We looked at the connection between tmj disorders and tinnitus. We discuss treatments that may help both conditions.
Your lower jaw is connected to your skull on both sides. The joints are in front of your ears. Your temporomandibular joints support the jaw muscles.
Causes of TMJ disorders
TMJ disorders are caused by inflammation or irritation of the ligaments and muscles surrounding the joints.
Potential causes include:
- The teeth are grinding during sleep.
- There is arthritis in the jaw.
- There is trauma to the head or neck.
- malocclusion (having an overbite or underbite)
- The disk is being pulled out.
Symptoms of TMJ disorders
Symptoms of temporomandibular disorders include:
- The sound of clicking or popping in the jaw.
- There is pain in the jaw and ear.
- There is a throbbing head.
- Difficult opening your mouth.
- The jaws lock in a closed position.
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A part in the inner ear called the cochlea transforms sound waves into electrical impulses that the brain translates into recognizable sounds. Damage to the hair cells in the cochlea is a catalyst for tinnitus.
The cochlea is located next to theemporomandibular joint, which can cause irritation and inflammation in the cochlea. This may cause a ringing in the ears.
Subjective vs objective tinnitus
Subjective tinnitus is the most common form of tinnitus. Noises are heard only by a person with tinnitus and are not generated by an exterior sound source.
Objective tinnitus is a rarer form of tinnitus. The sounds are typically caused by internal circulatory functions (blood flow) or defects in the structures of the ear. The sounds may be loud enough to be heard by another person.
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Tinnitus in this group is accompanied by pain, pressure, and high levels of stress.
Accompanying symptoms include:
- dizziness
- There is a throbbing head.
- There is a feeling of dizziness.
- The neck hurts.
- The quality of life is not good.
Tinnitus related to tms disorders is sometimes referred to as a type of tinnitus. Somatic tinnitus is caused by a problem in the musculoskeletal system.
Researchers involved in a
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Research data from as far back as 1997 found that treating TMJ disorders helps alleviate tinnitus in people with both conditions. However,
Even so, the American Tinnitus Association is in favor of treating TMJ disorders to alleviate tinnitus that’s caused by problems with the joint.
Possible treatments for TMJ disorders
There are several treatments for tmz disorders that can help alleviate both jaw and tinnitus pain. These include:
- Drugs such as antidepressants and muscle relaxants.
- a soft food diet
- Bite realignment is a dental treatment.
- mouth guards to prevent tooth grinding
- The eardrum is realigned with oral splints.
- physical therapy to stretch and strengthen jaw muscles
- corticosteroid injections into the joint
- minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as arthrocentesis
- open joint surgery (arthrotomy)
Quality of life can be negatively affected by tmd disorders and tinnitus. Talk to a doctor if you have any symptoms of tms or tinnitus. If you feel depressed or anxious, this is important.
Treatments exist for both disorders.
A dental professional can treat temporomandibular disorders. Discuss the type of specialist you want to see with your current healthcare professional.
Research shows that tms disorders are a cause of tinnitus. People with both conditions are younger than the average patient.
People assigned female at birth seem to be more affected by temporomandibular disorders than people assigned male at birth.
Treatments specific to the cause of temporomandibular disorders may help alleviate symptoms.
Talk to your doctor or dentist about the treatments that are best for you.