Have you noticed a ringing sound in your ears lately? This is known as tinnitus, and in many cases, it can be a warning sign of hearing loss. However, there are other possible causes of this symptom that are worth being aware of. In particular, sometimes tinnitus could be the result of a TMJ disorder. Below is a detailed look at how a ringing sound might be connected to a problem with your jaw joints.
What Exactly is a TMJ Disorder?
TMJ is short for “temporomandibular joint”, which is the name of the joints located in front of your ears that keep your lower jaw connected to your skull. Your TMJs play a critical role in allowing your jaw to make the necessary movements for eating and speaking. If the ligaments and muscles surrounding these joints are inflamed or irritated, the result is a TMJ disorder.
When there’s a problem with your TMJs, you are likely to notice significant pain in your jaw. You may also suffer from headaches, and you might even find that your jaw sometimes becomes locked.
How Can TMJ Disorders Lead to Tinnitus?
Statistically speaking, tinnitus is more likely to occur in people with TMJ disorder than those without it. This could be because the TMJ happens to be located next to the cochlea, which is the part of the inner ear that’s responsible for converting sound waves into electrical impulses so that the brain can interpret them. Inflammation and irritation of the TMJ could potentially damage the cochlea, and that in turn may result in tinnitus.
What Can You Do About TMJ Disorder and Tinnitus?
What makes TMJ-related tinnitus different from other forms of tinnitus is that it’s treatable. By addressing the problems with your jaw joints, it is possible to help you find relief from the ringing in your ears.
There’s more than one way for a dentist to treat a TMJ disorder. For example, they may give you an oral appliance called a deprogrammer that can help your lower jaw find a more comfortable resting position, which will help take some of the pressure off your TMJs and give them a chance to heal. Additionally, they can perform equilibration, which involves making small adjustments to the teeth to improve the way they fit together; changing your bite this way can reduce the strain that the TMJs are exposed to.
Do you think that your tinnitus may be linked to your TMJ disorder? If so, that’s just one more reason to seek treatment as soon as possible. Talk to your dentist today to learn what solutions they offer for TMJ-related problems.
About the Author
Dr. Andrew M. Nawrocki is a highly trained prosthodontist who graduated from the University of Florida and is a proud member of the Florida Dental Association. His Ormond Beach practice, Brown & Nawrocki Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry, offers a full range of services, including treatments for TMJ disorders. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Nawrocki, visit his website or call (386) 677-1046.