Tinnitus has a number of causes, most related to the ears, the most common being a prolonged exposure to loud noises. Tinnitus has also been linked to problems with your TMJ.
What is TMJ Disorder?
Your temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, is the joint at which your lower jaw connects to your skull. The joint is responsible for the movement of your jaw - opening and closing your mouth, eating and speaking. When the joint becomes irritated and inflamed, it can lead to severe jaw pain that makes normal functions of your mouth almost impossible.Symptoms of TMJ Disorder
There are several symptoms of TMJ disorder, including:| • | Jaw pain. |
| • | Facial pain. |
| • | Difficulty eating or speaking. |
| • | Clicking or popping sounds when you chew. |
| • | Your jaw may lock open. |
| • | Headaches. |
| • | Earaches, including ringing in the ears. |
How are They Connected?
Your temporomandibular joint and your eardrums are located near one another. When the joint is inflamed, this puts pressure on your eardrum, which then leads to pain, as well as the ringing sensation you experience.
Treatment
Your oral surgeon will be able to accurately diagnose TMJ disorder. They will also be able to determine its cause, whether it's a misalignment of your teeth, bruxism, arthritis or something else. With the cause discovered, appropriate treatment methods can then be used to solve the issue, and alleviate your TMJ pain.
In some instances, oral surgery may be required, such as a severe misalignment of the jaw, or an arthroscopic procedure to clean out scar tissue, reposition the disc or reshape parts of the jaw.
Ringing in your ears, accompanied by jaw pain and other oral symptoms can point to TMJ disorder. Be sure to mention any ringing you experience by contacting our office today!
