Is there a link between your TMJ disorder and your tinnitus?

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition that involves pain or discomfort when moving the jaw joint that hinges on the bottom jaw bone to the base of your skull. It can make activities like chewing, talking, and opening your mouth feel uncomfortable. The symptoms can spread from the jaw joint to other muscles and ligaments and surrounding areas. This condition affects nearly 10 million people in the United States. 

Tinnitus is a medical condition that causes a person to experience ringing-type noises in their ears. These sounds might occur and then disappear frequently. It can happen in one ear, but it can also happen simultaneously in both years. According to research, this condition affects nearly 25 million people in the U.S. It's usually caused by a separate, underlying condition. 

Now that you know a little bit more about both of these conditions, you might be interested to find out if there is a link between the two of them. Keep reading to find out how these two conditions can be related to each other and the treatment options they both share.

What are the symptoms of TMJ disorder?

There are several symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder that are worth noting. These symptoms include: 

• Pain in the jaw — One of the top symptoms of temporomandibular joint dysfunction is pain that occurs around the jaw joint. A person with TMJ dysfunction might feel aching or throbbing pain where their jaw hinges to the base of their skull. That pain might be exacerbated when speaking or chewing food. 

• Pain in the muscles of the face — Another symptom of TMJ dysfunction is pain that spreads from the jaw joint to the muscles around the face. The pain might originally start in the jaw and then gradually spread to the temples and other head regions. Some people experience pain that spans from their jaw down to their neck and even to their shoulders. 

• Limited range of motion in the jaw — The inflammation that occurs in the joint can lead to stiffness and pain that prevents a person from fully opening and closing their mouth without experiencing discomfort or difficulty. 

• Clicking or popping when moving the jaw — Someone with a TMJ disorder might also experience clicking or popping sounds that occur when they open and close their jaw. 

• Ringing in the ears — Ringing in the ears is another common experience for people who have TMJ dysfunction. The tension around the jaw joint affects the muscles in the ears, which then affect the nerves in the ears and cause pain and ringing sounds to occur. 

• Dizziness — The vestibular system in the ear is connected to the temporal bone in the jaw. When the temporal bone becomes poorly aligned or under pressure, the vestibular system is affected as a result. This can cause problems with balance and dizziness.

• Misalignment of the top and bottom of the jaw — Another symptom of temporomandibular joint dysfunction is misalignment of the top and bottom of the jaw. When the joint becomes inflamed, it can cause the jaws to to be positioned incorrectly and the teeth to sit abnormally on each other.

What’s the relationship between TMJ dysfunction and tinnitus?

You might be interested to find out if there is a link between TMJ dysfunction and tinnitus. Research suggests that individuals with TMJ dysfunction are more likely to experience tinnitus. Experts believe this is because the temporomandibular joint is so close to the vestibular system in the ear. When tension and pressure are placed on the TMJ or it gets inflamed, the ear may be affected consequently. Tinnitus is not a condition that occurs on its own. It's usually the result of some other underlying condition, like TMJ dysfunction. 

Are you struggling with tinnitus? It could be possible that your tinnitus symptoms are linked to TMJ dysfunction. If this is the case, it’s important that you seek treatment for both conditions. Getting treatment that addresses the root of your TMJ symptoms may help alleviate your tinnitus symptoms as well.

Alliance PTP can connect you with the physical therapy practice you need to treat your TMJ and tinnitus symptoms

Ready to try in-person physical therapy for TMJ dysfunction or tinnitus? You’ll find plenty of options to choose from among the Alliance Physical Therapy Partners practices nationwide. 

Our team can quickly put you in touch with one of our partner clinics near you, and their friendly and knowledgeable local staff can help you find care for both your TMJ disorder symptoms and your tinnitus symptoms.

Don’t have the time to see a physical therapist in person? Not a problem. Alliance PTP and its partners can also see you virtually in nearly every state. 

Still have questions about what we and our partners can do for you? We’re ready to answer them and help you find the physical therapy you need.