People commonly describe tinnitus as a ringing, buzzing, or clicking sound in their ears. But not everyone is aware that tinnitus can also feel like a pulse in the ear. It can be irritating and uncomfortable. However, it’s important to remember that not all tinnitus is the same. One kind of tinnitus is associated with the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ), which governs jaw movement. TMJ-related tinnitus is caused by mechanical difficulties in the jaw, such as teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw clenching, an incorrect bite (grombite), or misalignment.
Dr. Luis Gavin specializes in treating tinnitus associated with TMJ problems. This is a mechanical issue produced by the jaw’s structure rubbing on the ears, and when properly addressed, it can dramatically lessen tinnitus symptoms.
TMJ-related tinnitus occurs due to mechanical interference. The jaw and ear structures are physically linked, thus malfunction in one might affect the other. When you clench or grind your teeth, or your jaw is out of position, the strain can go to your ears. This causes pressure on the surrounding tissues, resulting in tinnitus sensations. Tinnitus produced by TMJ is different from tinnitus caused by hearing loss since it is rooted in jaw mechanics rather than the inner ear.
Teeth Grinding (Bruxism): Persistent grinding and clenching put stress on the jaw and can cause tinnitus.
Jaw Clenching: Continuous clenching creates strain in the TMJ. This leads to pain and tinnitus.
Grombite (Improper Bite): A bad bite impairs jaw alignment, putting pressure on the ear and producing ringing.
Jaw Misalignment: Any movement in the normal posture of the jaw might put pressure on the ear structures, resulting in tinnitus.
TMJ Injuries: Accidents or injuries to the jaw can cause misalignment and tinnitus symptoms.
Somatic Tinnitus is the most prevalent type of TMJ-related tinnitus. Somatic tinnitus, as opposed to hearing loss-related tinnitus, is produced by mechanical difficulties such as teeth grinding, jaw clenching, or inappropriate alignment. Movements such as opening your lips or rotating your neck can change the strength of sounds you hear.
Since TMJ-related tinnitus is mechanical, treatments focus on correcting jaw function rather than using hearing aids or sound therapy. Here are some of the of the most used ways to handle it:
MAD is a custom-fitted dental device that gently moves the lower jaw forward to correct it. This relieves stress on the TMJ and surrounding muscles, decreasing jaw clenching and alleviating symptoms of TMJ-related tinnitus.
This method includes injecting drugs into strained jaw muscles.It helps in alleviating pain and inflammation. These infiltrations assist restore appropriate jaw alignment and relieve pressure on the ear tissues, therefore successfully treating TMJ-related tinnitus.
This includes changing the way the jaw works to ease pressure on the ear and minimize tinnitus. Applied mechanics focuses on finding and correcting imbalances that cause TMJ problems.
Living with TMJ-related tinnitus can be difficult, but the good news is that it is manageable if the mechanical abnormalities are resolved. If you have tinnitus and believe it is due to jaw difficulties, you should seek professional care. Dr. Luis Gavin, with over 30 years of expertise, provides focused therapies that address the underlying mechanical reasons of TMJ-related tinnitus.
Consult with Dr. Luis to understand how you may properly manage your tinnitus symptoms. Contact him right now if you need specialist assistance.
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