Few things are more frustrating than a persistent ringing or buzzing in your ears that just won’t go away. This constant noise can be disruptive and debilitating for those who suffer from tinnitus. While the cause of tinnitus can vary widely, one potential contributor is TMJ, or temporomandibular joint disorder.
Luckily, our team at One Life Chiropractic in Katy, Texas, is here to help. Our expert chiropractors, Nathan D. Gomez, DC, Guadalupe Lee, DC, and Brian Riggs, DC, will assess the root cause of your TMJ disorder and provide noninvasive treatments to alleviate your discomfort. This blog post explores the link between tinnitus and TMJ and offers practical tips for those seeking relief.
What is TMJ?
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders refer to a collection of issues causing pain and dysfunction in the jaw joint and the muscles responsible for jaw movement. The TMJ connects your lower jaw to your skull, enabling essential functions like talking, chewing, and yawning.
Treatment for TMJ disorders may include lifestyle changes, such as avoiding hard or chewy foods or reducing stress levels, heat and ice, ArthroStim®, laser therapy, cupping, and more.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is when you hear ringing or other noises in one or both ears. It’s often a ringing sound, but it could also be buzzing, hissing, clicking, or even roaring.
Tinnitus is usually caused by an underlying health condition such as hearing loss, TMJ disorder, or circulatory system disorder. The noise heard in tinnitus can range from soft to loud and may be low- or high-pitched.
The link between tinnitus and TMJ disorder
The temporomandibular joint connects your jawbone to your skull and allows you to move your jaw up and down and side to side. When this joint is out of alignment or not working correctly, it can cause various symptoms, including tinnitus.
But why does TMJ cause tinnitus? One possibility is that when the joint is misaligned, it can put pressure on the auditory nerve, which leads to the inner ear, where sound is processed. This pressure can create phantom sounds that are not present in the environment. TMJ can also cause tension in the jaw and neck muscles, contributing to tinnitus.
People with both conditions tend to be younger than average, and there is increasing evidence of associations between the presence of TMJ disorders and tinnitus. Research indicates that individuals with TMJ issues are more prone to tinnitus. Likewise, those who’ve experienced jaw injuries can develop tinnitus. Stress can also contribute to tinnitus.
What to do about TMJ and tinnitus
If you suspect that your tinnitus may be related to TMJ, you can take some steps to seek relief. First, consult with your provider at One Life Chiropractic for a diagnosis and treatment. By addressing the root cause of your tinnitus, you can reduce or even eliminate the ringing in your ears.
In addition to seeking medical treatment, you can also take several practical steps to manage your tinnitus symptoms. These include using white noise machines or apps to drown out the ringing, practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga to reduce stress, and avoiding triggers like loud noises or caffeine that can exacerbate your symptoms.
One other strategy to consider is seeking out support from others who are also living with tinnitus. This can help you feel less alone and provide valuable tips and advice for managing your symptoms. Online forums or support groups may be a good place to start, or you can ask your doctor if they know of local tinnitus support groups.
Call today for a customized treatment plan
Tinnitus can be a frustrating and isolating condition, but understanding the connection between TMJ disorder and tinnitus can help you find relief. By working with your chiropractor to treat the underlying problem and taking practical steps to manage your symptoms, you can reduce the impact of tinnitus on your life and find the peace and quiet you’ve been seeking.
Don’t hesitate to seek support — you don’t have to face tinnitus alone. Call One Life Chiropractic in Katy, Texas, today for more information on TMJ disorder or tinnitus. Call us at 832-321-3452 or use our online booking form to make an appointment.
