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Do you have a sore jaw, and have you noticed a loud ringing sound in your ears that you can’t explain? If so, you might suffer from tinnitus related to a TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder. These sliding discs anchor your jawbone to your skull just in front of each ear, but dental misalignments or teeth grinding can overwork them. This contributes to painful inflammation that can impact your jaw, neck, and ears because they’re in such close proximity.
If you’re unsure why you’ve heard a high-pitched tone, continue reading to learn 3 signs that it’s due to TMJ overcompensation!
Indicator #1: The Impact is Disabling
Tinnitus can happen for many reasons and is associated with various conditions, like exposure to loud noises, ear canal blockages or infections, certain medications, and even stress of physical trauma. However, a recent study suggests that severely loud ringing is more likely to be associated with TMJ concerns.
In the study, researchers found that those with known TMJ issues reported tinnitus that was 12% louder, 33% more likely to be labeled ‘annoying’, and 47% more likely to interfere with their abilities. If you’re hearing a sound so intense that it keeps you from engaging in daily activities, it might be due to an overworked jaw joint.
Indicator #2: It Appears After Intense Jaw Activity
Paying attention to when you experience tinnitus can point to a potential cause. For instance, if it appears after you’ve just finished a steak dinner, it could mean that your jaw isn’t aligned correctly and is triggered by grinding chewy meats. Similarly, if you notice the reverberation after lifting weights at the gym or when you first wake up in the morning, it might be because you suffer from bruxism and have been chronically clenching your arches together.
If you notice the tinnitus flare-ups occur around times of vigorous jaw activity or movement, there’s a fair chance the two conditions are connected.
Indicator #3: Jaw Movement Alters the Sound
Have you noticed that the ringing in your ears changes if you open and close your mouth or shift your jaw back and forth? If so, you could be experiencing somatosensory or somatic tinnitus. This happens when physical changes in or around your head, neck, and jaw affect your ability to perceive sound. For example, modulating your jaw movements might impact the volume of the tone you’re hearing.
Tinnitus can be both frustrating and intimidating if you don’t know the cause. Thankfully, if it’s associated with a TMJ disorder, your dentist can treat the underlying cause to improve your condition!
About the Practice
At OS Dental, you benefit from two dentists dedicated to helping you increase your daily quality of life by enhancing your oral health. Dr. McKnight and Dr. Olga share decades of combined experience and collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services conveniently under one roof. They take the time to get to know you and prioritize your comfort by providing a 4-star spa-like experience with luxuries like pillows, warm blankets, and aromatherapy towels. Then, they combine a caring approach with state-of-the-art technology to deliver accurate treatment results intended to last. If you’re concerned about TMJ-related tinnitus, you can request an appointment on the website or call (972) 698-8000.