Ringing in the ears is medically known as tinnitus. While this can be caused by various conditions, from ear infections to trauma, one reason is often left out and unexplored. Temporomandibular joint disorder or jaw joint inflammation or malfunction can be the root cause of several physiological ailments. The temporomandibular joint is located just in front of the ears on either side, and it’s because of this location that it could be the reason why someone’s ears are ringing.
What Does It Sound Like?
If you’re wondering if you’ve felt this sensation but aren’t sure, some of the most popular descriptions of this sensation include:
- Ringing
- Buzzing
- Hissing
- Chirping
- Whistling
The sound can be intermittent or continuous and vary in loudness. Ringing in the ears can interrupt your hearing and interfere with your ability to concentrate. Because of this jarring noise, people often experience accompanying headaches as well.
Tinnitus and TMJ Dysfunction
The smallest, most delicate bones in the body are all located in the inner ear. As luck would have it, one of these bones, the malleus (or hammer), is directly connected to the temporomandibular joint. This connection solidifies that if there is a dysfunction at the TMJ, the inner ear will be affected as well. Inflammation, underdevelopment, or trauma to the TMJ can cause the adjacent structures surrounding the joint to take on some of that strain, in this case, the ear.
Other Causes of Ringing in the Ears
Tinnitus can be caused by several conditions aside from TMJ dysfunction, including:
- Eardrum inflammation
- Loud noise
- Clogging of the external auditory canal with ear wax
- Overdosing of some NSAID
- Aging
- Ear trauma
- Infection
While each of these conditions may cause tinnitus, many patients seek medical advice from their ENT specialist. Doctors not specialized in TMJ dysfunction will likely prescribe their patients an antibiotic, but for those patients who this doesn’t help, what options are there left?
A Different Approach to Ringing Ears
TMJ dysfunction can be overlooked as a potential cause of someone’s ears ringing but is often the missing piece of the puzzle. If you’re suffering from painful ringing in your ears and other treatment options, have yet to help, schedule an appointment with Dr. Buck by visiting our contact page or calling our office at (425) 361-0741.
