TMJ/TMD and Tinnitus
Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is a bothersome condition that can be hard to treat. It can be caused by damage to the delicate mechanism of the ear or by serious diseases of the inner ear, but it can also be a side effect of Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMD.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located where the jawbone meets the temple. This joint is very close to the ear. In fact, if you put your finger inside your ear and move your jaw back and forth, you can feel this movement in the outer ear canal. If the TMJ isn't functioning smoothly, this can lead to issues with the ear that cause symptoms of tinnitus.
TMD-related tinnitus can occur on its own or in conjunction with other symptoms of TMD. Additional symptoms of TMD include:
- Jaw or neck pain
- Clicking sounds in the jaw
- Teeth grinding
- Habitual clenching of the jaw
- Recurring headache
- Shoulder pain
Even if you aren't experiencing any of these other symptoms, your tinnitus could be related to TMJ.
Because tinnitus can be caused by serious diseases of the ear, it's important to rule these out before pursuing other diagnoses. If, however, a doctor has ruled out these possibilities and still hasn't determined the cause of your tinnitus, it might be a good idea to look into TMD as a possible cause.
Dr. Quigless can diagnose TMD using advanced equipment. After diagnosis, he'll recommend a treatment, which might involve a TENS machine, orthotics, or dental work. TMD issues vary from patient to patient, and your treatment will be individualized to meet your exact needs.
If you are experiencing ringing, buzzing, hissing, or any other constant sound in your ears, please contact Dr. Kirk Quigless, St. Louis, Missouri neuromuscular dentist, for a TMJ diagnosis. Diagnosis and treatment can mean the end of annoying tinnitus or other TMD symptoms you might be experiencing.
(314) 244-3751
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8083 Manchester Rd.
St. Louis, MO 63144
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