Tinnitus is a condition where you constantly or frequently hear a sound that others can’t. Sometimes, these are real sounds produced within your body, but other times, they’re phantom sounds generated by your brain or nerves. Many sufferers describe tinnitus as ringing in the ears, but the sounds can vary widely, including whistling, clicking, buzzing, or hissing.
Tinnitus has numerous potential causes, and while some are difficult to treat, there is one highly treatable cause: temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ or TMD). If your TMJ disorder is contributing to your tinnitus symptoms, Columbia, SC, TMJ dentist Dr. Adam Hahn can help provide relief, potentially reducing or even eliminating the ringing in your ears.
What Is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus occurs when you hear sounds that others cannot. While commonly referred to as “ringing in the ear,” individuals may experience a wide range of noises, including roaring, buzzing, hissing, or even clicking. These phantom sounds can be constant, rhythmic, or fluctuate in intensity.
This auditory disturbance is often divided into two categories:
- Objective: These are real sounds that can sometimes be detected by a doctor using specialized equipment.
- Subjective: These sounds are only heard by the person experiencing them, with no external source identified. This type is more common and can be linked to a variety of causes, including hearing loss and TMJ disorder.
Common Causes of Tinnitus
Tinnitus can result from several different conditions, including:
- Hearing loss: Often, tinnitus is linked to hearing loss. As the brain attempts to compensate for the loss of sound, it may create phantom noises.
- Ear infections or ear canal blockages: Ear infections or blockages can cause pressure changes within the ear, leading to tinnitus.
- Head or neck injuries: These injuries can impact the nerves that relay sound information to the brain, leading to tinnitus in one ear.
- Medications: Certain medications, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may trigger tinnitus symptoms.
- TMJ disorder: Because the jaw joints are located close to the ear, issues with jaw function—such as teeth grinding or misalignment—can impact the ear, leading to tinnitus. Some individuals have ligaments that directly connect their jaw joints to structures within the ear.
- Ménière’s disease: This inner ear condition can cause tinnitus due to fluid buildup that impacts hearing and balance.
- Vascular disorders: Abnormal blood vessel function near the ear can also lead to tinnitus.
With such a wide range of causes, identifying the exact source of tinnitus can be challenging. Many sufferers go through trial-and-error treatments before finding an effective solution.
The primary symptom of tinnitus is the sound you hear, but additional ear-related symptoms may include:
- Hearing loss
- Ear fullness
- Ear pain
- Dizziness or vertigo
To diagnose tinnitus, start with your primary care doctor. They will check for common causes like ear infections or blockages. If no clear cause is found, you may be referred to an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT) for further evaluation, including hearing tests and imaging such as MRI or CT scans.
Is TMJ Disorder Causing Your Tinnitus?
If the ringing in your ears flares up after jaw movement—such as clenching, grinding, or opening and closing your mouth—it’s possible that your jaw joints are contributing to the problem. Many people with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) experience additional ear symptoms, like ear noises, due to the proximity of the jaw muscles and joints to the ear.
Signs that TMJ may be the cause of your ear buzzing include:
- Changes in tinnitus when you move your jaw
- Jaw pain or discomfort when chewing or speaking
- Nighttime teeth grinding or clenching
- Associated ear symptoms like vertigo, ear fullness, or ear pain
TMJ Treatment for Tinnitus Relief in Columbia, SC
If your ear ringing is related to TMJ disorder, there’s hope for relief. In fact, studies show that 69% of people with ear noises associated with TMJ disorder experience improvement through TMJ treatment. Here are some of the most effective treatment options:
- Muscle relaxation and physical therapy: Reducing tension in the jaw muscles can alleviate pressure on the jaw joints and help reduce tinnitus. Physical therapy exercises may also improve jaw movement and reduce inflammation.
- Custom mouthguards: If you suffer from teeth grinding (bruxism), a custom mouthguard can protect your teeth and reduce strain on your jaw joints, helping relieve tinnitus symptoms.
- Dental solutions from a TMJ dentist: A TMJ dentist can assess your bite alignment and recommend treatments to correct any imbalances that are contributing to your jaw pain and tinnitus. Solutions may include bite realignment, dental appliances, or other interventions.
- Advanced TMJ treatments: In more severe cases, additional options such as injections or surgery may be recommended by a TMJ specialist.
Find Tinnitus and TMJ Relief Today
If you’re experiencing tinnitus and have tried traditional treatments without success, it’s time to consider whether TMJ disorder could be the underlying cause. Call (803) 781-9090 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Adam Hahn, a Columbia, SC, TMJ dentist that specializes in providing relief for patients suffering from TMJ symptoms, including tinnitus. By addressing the jaw joints and surrounding jaw muscles, we can develop a personalized treatment plan to help you regain comfort and quiet the ringing in your ears.
