Your jaw joints, also known as temporomandibular joints (TMJ), do more than enable you to yawn, talk, or eat. An issue with these joints can lead to a condition called temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD). While TMJD commonly presents itself with jaw pain, its symptoms can affect different areas of your body, including your hearing. At Miami Designer Smiles, we often encounter one crucial question — can TMJ disorder cause tinnitus?
Understanding TMJ Disorder
Composed of pairs of joints, the TMJ allows your jaw to move in various directions. However, should stress or misalignment occur, it leads to TMJD. Symptoms vary, including jaw pain, difficulty opening the mouth, and unusual clicking sounds. Patients can also experience shoulder and neck pain, headaches, and intriguingly, auditory symptoms, leading many to wonder if TMJ disorder can trigger tinnitus.
Can TMJ Disorder Trigger Tinnitus?
Ultimately, the evidence indicates that yes, TMJ disorder can contribute to tinnitus, alongside other hearing problems.
Tinnitus: The Phantom Noise
Tinnitus stems from an issue within the auditory system resulting in persistent noises: ringing, buzzing, or clicking, which are not part of the exterior environment. It’s an elusive and often irritating condition, with potential links to various health issues, including TMJ disorder.
Tinnitus and TMJ Disorder: The Connection
The proximity of your TMJ to your ear structures can partially explain the link between TMJ disorder and tinnitus. In some instances, a disturbed TMJ can stress nearby tissues, including the auditory system, thus triggering tinnitus.
Examining the Evidence
While more research is necessary on this topic, current findings point towards TMJ disorder being a possible cause of tinnitus.
Studies on TMJ Disorder and Tinnitus
It is estimated that about 36% to 49% of those with TMJ disorder can experience tinnitus. These figures were provided by a study from the Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology, underlining the potential correlation between TMJ disorder and tinnitus.
Tackling TMJ Disorder to Alleviate Tinnitus
Is it possible to treat TMJ disorder to cope with tinnitus? This question brings hope to many patients of Miami Designer Smiles who suffer from both conditions.
Neuromuscular Dentistry: An Effective Approach
Dr. Concepcion Sanchez-Garcia and Dr. Raul Garcia address TMJ disorder with neuromuscular dentistry at Miami Designer Smiles. Through a comprehensive evaluation of the jaw’s function, they can detect the disorder and design suitable treatment plans. These methods may lead to the alleviation of tinnitus symptoms.
Treatment Options for TMJ Disorder
The treatment plan for TMJ disorder at Miami Designer Smiles may involve:
- Correction of bite misalignments
- Orthodontics or dental restorations
- Mouthguards or therapeutic devices
- Physiotherapy
Celebrate the potential recovery from the ringing in your ears by saying goodbye to TMJ disorder. It’s time to unlock your quiet, comfortable life with the dedicated team at Miami Designer Smiles.