Tmj ear popping. Treating TMJ Fullness in Ears: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Solutions

04.08.202306.07.2023 by alexxlab

Can TMJ cause crackling sounds in your ears. How do you get rid of crunching sounds in your ear. What are the best treatments for TMJ fullness in the ears. Why does TMJ cause ear fullness and hearing changes. How can orthotic appliances help with TMJ-related ear issues.

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Understanding TMJ and Its Impact on Ear Health

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a complex condition that can have far-reaching effects beyond jaw discomfort. One of the lesser-known but significant symptoms is its impact on ear health, often manifesting as fullness, crackling sounds, or even changes in hearing. Understanding the connection between TMJ and ear issues is crucial for effective treatment and relief.

What is TMJ Disorder?

TMJ disorder occurs when the temporomandibular joint, which connects your jawbone to your skull, becomes misaligned or damaged. This misalignment can lead to a host of symptoms, including jaw pain, difficulty chewing, and interestingly, ear-related issues.

The Link Between TMJ and Ear Symptoms

The proximity of the TMJ to the ear canal explains why TMJ disorders can affect ear health. When the joint is misaligned, it can put pressure on surrounding structures, including those in the ear.

Common Ear Symptoms Associated with TMJ

Crackling or popping sounds
Ear fullness or stuffiness
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Ear pain
Changes in hearing

Crackling Sounds in the Ear: Is It Always TMJ?

While TMJ is a common cause of crackling sounds in the ear, it’s not the only potential culprit. Dried earwax on the eardrum can also produce similar sounds. It’s important to differentiate between these causes for proper treatment.

How to Identify TMJ-Related Crackling

TMJ-related crackling, also known as crepitus, is often accompanied by other symptoms such as jaw pain or difficulty opening the mouth fully. If you experience these additional symptoms along with ear crackling, it’s more likely to be TMJ-related.

Treating TMJ Fullness in the Ears

Addressing TMJ-related ear fullness requires a multi-faceted approach that targets the root cause of the TMJ disorder. Here are some effective treatment options:

Oral Appliances and Splints

Dentists specializing in TMJ disorders often prescribe oral appliances or splints. These devices help to realign the jaw and reduce pressure on the TMJ, which can alleviate ear symptoms.

Physical Therapy

Targeted exercises and stretches can help strengthen jaw muscles and improve TMJ function. This can lead to a reduction in ear fullness and other related symptoms.

TENS Therapy

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a technique that uses mild electrical currents to relax jaw muscles and find the optimal resting position for the jaw. This can be particularly effective in treating ear fullness caused by TMJ disorder.

The Role of Orthotic Appliances in TMJ Treatment

Orthotic appliances play a crucial role in the treatment of TMJ-related ear issues. Unlike simple bite adjustments, these devices use principles of orthopedic medicine to improve jaw function and decompress the joint.

How Orthotic Appliances Work

Orthotic appliances are custom-made devices that fit over the teeth. They work by:

Realigning the jaw to its proper position
Reducing pressure on the TMJ
Allowing muscles and ligaments to heal
Improving overall jaw function

By addressing the underlying TMJ issues, orthotic appliances can effectively alleviate ear fullness and other related symptoms.

Lifestyle Changes to Manage TMJ and Ear Symptoms

In addition to professional treatments, certain lifestyle modifications can help manage TMJ disorder and associated ear symptoms:

Avoiding hard or chewy foods
Practicing stress-reduction techniques
Using heat or cold therapy on the jaw
Maintaining good posture
Avoiding excessive jaw movements (like gum chewing)

When to Seek Professional Help for TMJ-Related Ear Issues

While some mild TMJ symptoms may resolve on their own, persistent ear fullness, pain, or hearing changes warrant professional evaluation. Seeking help from a TMJ specialist can lead to more targeted and effective treatment.

Signs It’s Time to See a Specialist

Chronic ear fullness or pain
Persistent crackling or popping sounds
Changes in hearing
Jaw pain or difficulty opening the mouth
Headaches associated with jaw movement

Advanced Diagnostic Techniques for TMJ-Related Ear Issues

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of TMJ-related ear problems. Modern diagnostic techniques have significantly improved the ability to identify and treat these issues.

Imaging Technologies

Advanced imaging technologies play a vital role in diagnosing TMJ disorders and their impact on ear health. These may include:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Provides detailed images of soft tissues around the TMJ
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT): Offers 3D images of the jaw and surrounding structures
Ultrasound: Can show real-time movement of the jaw joint

Electromyography (EMG)

EMG tests can measure muscle activity around the jaw, helping to identify areas of tension or overactivity that may contribute to TMJ symptoms and ear issues.

The Importance of a Multidisciplinary Approach

Treating TMJ-related ear fullness often requires a collaborative effort between different healthcare professionals. This multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive care and better outcomes for patients.

Key Professionals in TMJ Treatment

TMJ Specialists: Provide focused treatment for TMJ disorders
Dentists: Address dental issues that may contribute to TMJ problems
Physical Therapists: Offer exercises and manual therapies to improve jaw function
Audiologists: Assess and manage hearing-related symptoms
Pain Management Specialists: Help with chronic pain associated with TMJ disorders

Long-Term Management of TMJ and Ear Symptoms

Managing TMJ disorder and its associated ear symptoms is often an ongoing process. Long-term strategies are essential for maintaining relief and preventing recurrence of symptoms.

Maintenance Therapies

Regular check-ups and adjustments to treatment plans are crucial. This may include:

Periodic adjustments of oral appliances
Ongoing physical therapy exercises
Regular dental check-ups to monitor jaw alignment
Stress management techniques

Monitoring and Adapting Treatment

As TMJ symptoms can change over time, it’s important to regularly assess the effectiveness of treatments and make adjustments as needed. This may involve trying new therapies or modifying existing ones to ensure continued relief from ear fullness and other symptoms.

Emerging Treatments for TMJ-Related Ear Issues

Research in TMJ disorders continues to evolve, bringing new and innovative treatment options to the forefront. Some promising emerging treatments include:

Regenerative Therapies

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and stem cell therapies are being explored for their potential to regenerate damaged tissues in the TMJ, potentially offering long-term relief from symptoms including ear fullness.

Botulinum Toxin Injections

While primarily known for cosmetic uses, botulinum toxin injections are showing promise in relaxing overactive jaw muscles, which can alleviate pressure on the TMJ and reduce ear symptoms.

Advanced Biofeedback Techniques

New biofeedback technologies are being developed to help patients gain better control over their jaw muscles, potentially reducing TMJ symptoms and associated ear issues.

The Psychological Impact of TMJ-Related Ear Fullness

The persistent nature of TMJ symptoms, including ear fullness, can have significant psychological effects on patients. Addressing these mental health aspects is crucial for comprehensive treatment.

Common Psychological Challenges

Anxiety about symptoms worsening
Depression due to chronic discomfort
Frustration with treatment processes
Social isolation due to symptoms

Integrating Mental Health Support

Incorporating psychological support into TMJ treatment plans can greatly improve outcomes. This may include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy to manage pain perception
Stress reduction techniques like mindfulness meditation
Support groups for TMJ sufferers
Counseling to address anxiety and depression

Preventing TMJ-Related Ear Issues

While not all cases of TMJ disorder can be prevented, there are steps individuals can take to reduce their risk or minimize the severity of symptoms, including ear-related issues.

Preventive Measures

Maintaining good posture to reduce strain on the jaw
Avoiding excessive gum chewing or nail biting
Using proper ergonomics when working or studying
Managing stress through relaxation techniques
Wearing a night guard if teeth grinding is an issue

Early Intervention

Recognizing and addressing early signs of TMJ disorder can prevent the development of more severe symptoms, including ear fullness. Regular dental check-ups and being attentive to jaw discomfort or changes in bite can lead to earlier treatment and better outcomes.

The Future of TMJ and Ear Health Research

The field of TMJ disorder treatment, especially concerning its impact on ear health, is continually evolving. Ongoing research promises to bring more targeted and effective treatments in the future.

Areas of Current Research

Genetic factors in TMJ disorders
Advanced imaging techniques for more precise diagnosis
Novel drug therapies for pain management
Minimally invasive surgical techniques
The role of nutrition in TMJ health

Personalized Treatment Approaches

Future treatments are likely to be more personalized, taking into account individual patient factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and specific symptom profiles. This tailored approach could lead to more effective management of TMJ-related ear fullness and other symptoms.

As research progresses, patients suffering from TMJ-related ear fullness can look forward to more advanced, effective, and personalized treatment options. The key to managing these conditions lies in staying informed about the latest developments and working closely with healthcare professionals specializing in TMJ disorders.

How Do You Treat TMJ Fullness in the Ears?

Home » How Do You Treat TMJ Fullness in the Ears?

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Do you have a crackling sound in your ear due to TMJ?! Call our dedicated team today at Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders or visit us online to book an appointment. We have convenient locations across the U.S. in Bloomington IL, Peoria – Dunlap IL, Mishawaka IN, Kansas City MO, El Paso TX and Wausau WI.

Crepitus is a sound or vibration that occurs when tissues in the body, such as cartilage in the joints, are damaged and rub against one another. One of the most common causes of crepitus is dysfunction of the TMJ or temporomandibular joint disorder. TMJ disorder occurs when the various parts in the temporomandibular joint become misaligned; this can cause the bone to rub on bone or cartilage. This rubbing can damage cartilage, causing it to develop into crepitus.

Can TMJ cause a crackling sound in your ears?

Yes, TMJ disorder can cause a crackling sound to occur in the ears; this is known as crepitus. In addition to a crackling or popping sound, crepitus also refers to a grating sensation produced by the friction of bone rubbing against cartilage. Crackling in the ears does not only occur from TMJ disorder, it can also be the result of ear wax that has dried on the eardrum. When the dried wax expands, it cracks, which is audible in the ear canal as a crackling, crunching or popping sound.

How do I get rid of the crunching sound in my ear?

When a crunching or crackling sound is audible in the ears, it is likely caused by dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint. In order to address this concern, the underlying cause of the crunching sound must first be taken care of. The best way to find the most effective treatment is by visiting a dentist who specializes in treating temporomandibular joint disorders. The dentist may utilize any one of several different modalities, including oral splints and mouth guards, or they may even prescribe physical therapy to help stretch the jaw muscles and relieve tension on the temporomandibular joint. Gentle stretches and strengthening exercises can improve TMJ health, reducing symptoms.

How do you treat TMJ fullness in the ears?

The TMJ, or temporomandibular joint, is positioned just in front of the ear; dysfunction with this joint can therefore easily impact how the ears feel. Several TMJ-related causes can cause stuffiness of the ear; tension in some of the jaw muscles can actually trigger tension in the stapedius muscle, the muscle of the inner ear. When this occurs, the eardrum tenses and can give a sense of stuffiness or diminished hearing. Chronic clenching or grinding of the teeth can trigger these types of spasms; the more frequently teeth clenching or grinding occurs, the more severe the ear symptoms will be. Other jaw muscles can also spasm from chronic clenching, causing the Eustachian tube to narrow or close. This affects inner ear pressure and can muffle hearing, similar to how ears pop when descending in an airplane.

In hard-to-diagnose cases that involve muffled hearing, ear pain, hearing changes or itching deep in the ear, it is likely that a chronic TMJ condition exists. In the treatment of TMJ disorder, using orthotic appliances to decompress the joint can restore ear function and improve hearing. Orthotic appliances are different from other techniques such as bite adjustment and bite equilibration as they use orthopedic medicine to improve jaw function.

In some cases, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) may be used; this technique confuses the muscle memory to find the optimal resting position of the jaw. This can effectively ameliorate ear fullness when caused by the temporomandibular joint disorder.

If you are experiencing fullness in your ears, trust the team at Koala® Centers For Sleep & TMJ Disorders to provide you with relief.

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Can TMJ Cause My Jaw or Ears to Pop?

Home Dental Treatments TMJ Dentistry Can TMJ Cause My Jaw or Ears to Pop?

Temporomandibular joint disorders, often referred to simply as TMJ, can cause a range of problems with the jaw, face, and even the ears.

The temporomandibular joints exist on either side of the head close to the ears and help facilitate jaw movement. It is because of the temporomandibular joint that we can speak, chew, yawn, and smile.

When there is a problem with one or more temporomandibular joints, it can cause issues with the jaw and ears. But can TMJ cause your jaw or ears to pop? Here’s what you need to know.

TMJ Can Cause Unusual Jaw Popping or Clicking Sounds

People with TMJ disorders frequently report that their jaw makes popping or clicking noises when in motion. Any movement—from speaking to chewing to yawning—may cause these unusual sounds in the jaw. Some people hear a popping noise, but others may hear a clicking or even a grating sound when moving their mouth.

If you have a TMJ disorder, these sounds may be accompanied by pain or discomfort, but this won’t be true in every case [1].

Ear Problems and TMJ

Temporomandibular joint issues can cause your ears to feel as though they are popping, but they can also cause other issues with the ears, including ringing in the ears, aching ears, or hearing loss [2].

If you experience any type of ear discomfort, it may not be related to an ear infection. Since the temporomandibular joint is located so close to the ears, any inflammation or discomfort related to these joints has the potential to cause ear symptoms.

Ear problems can coincide with other symptoms of TMJ, including popping and clicking noises, jaw or facial discomfort, and trouble opening the mouth all the way. However, it’s also possible for these symptoms to exist separately, so don’t immediately discount a TMJ disorder, even if you are only having ear symptoms.

Can TMJ-Related Popping Noises Be Treated?

Whether you’re experiencing jaw or ear popping related to TMJ, the good news is that, in many cases, it can be treated. TMJ disorders may have an underlying cause that you can address with your dentist to help your symptoms go away.

For example, overuse of the jaw joint or even teeth that don’t fit together properly can trigger TMJ symptoms. So reducing activities that aggravate the jaw joint, such as chewing gum, or getting orthodontic treatment for misaligned teeth can help resolve the problem.

Other people may benefit from physical therapy, medication, or jaw exercises [3]. Your dentist can work with you to develop a treatment plan that makes the most sense based on your symptoms and potential underlying causes of the disorder.

Do You Have Symptoms of TMJ?

If you have symptoms of TMJ, including jaw or ear popping, ask your dentist during your next checkup if you could be suffering from a TMJ disorder and if so, what treatment or management options may be available.

Sources:
1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319888
2. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/tmd#symptoms
3. https://tmj.org/living-with-tmj/treatments/

Summary

Why clicks in the ear – causes, diagnosis and treatment

Contents

When are clicks the norm?
Pathological causes of clicks
Symptoms of pathological conditions
Diagnosis and treatment

Episodic clicks and crackles in the ear are probably familiar to everyone. Few people attach importance to these sounds, taking them for a physiological norm or an accident. But what if the clicks in the ear sound constantly? Why do they appear? Do I need to see a doctor for help with ringing in my ears?

Contents

When are clicks normal?

Clicks and crackles are heard not by themselves. These sounds are formed during the contraction of the muscles that serve the auditory ossicles. With a spasm of these muscles, air is pushed out of the sections of the auditory organ – that’s why it clicks in the ear.

Sometimes clicking in the ears appears with a spasm of another group of muscles – during swallowing, the muscles of the pharynx contract. Inside the ENT system, the push of air “walks” and is given in the auditory organ. With frequent manifestations of this symptom, which cause significant discomfort to the patient, medications can be prescribed that relax the muscles of the pharynx.

In some cases, the cause of clicks is a feature of the structure of the lower jaw, inside which the articular disc is located. It is mobile and during its movement in a tight knot is able to make a characteristic sound.

These causes of clicks in the auditory organ are considered harmless and physiological. If crackling appears rarely and is not accompanied by painful sensations, there is nothing to worry about.

Pathological causes of clicks

Experts divide the pathological causes of crackles and clicks in the auditory organs into several groups.

“Nervous tic”

Unexplained crackling, which does not accompany any disease, occurs in the ears from time to time. Experts attribute its origin to muscle spasms, which occasionally appear in the muscles that surround and serve the ENT system. This is a kind of “nervous tick” of the body, uncontrolled episodic contractions, which usually do not pose a danger to humans.

Colds

Quite often, crackling in the ears accompanies the course of colds: SARS, pharyngitis. Puffiness of the ENT organs, the accumulation of large volumes of mucus in the nasopharynx can cause characteristic noises in the auditory organs: it either clicks in them, or something seems to overflow, or buzz.

As soon as you are cured, the swelling of the ENT organs will subside, and the problem with crackling in the ears will go away.

Inflammatory processes

When it clicks in the ear, and this phenomenon is accompanied by pain, such a symptom may signal the occurrence of otitis media. An acute inflammatory process requires a mandatory visit to the ENT and adequate complex treatment.

Destruction of cartilage

Ringing in the ears is a frequent complaint of elderly patients suffering from arthritis and arthrosis. These diseases are characterized by the destruction of cartilaginous tissue, in which the mouth opens with difficulty, the joints crunch, and during the movement of the jaws, characteristic sounds occur behind the ears: crackling and creaking. Chewing begins to become painful, the tissues over the joint affected by arthritis or arthrosis become inflamed, the temperature rises due to intoxication and the state of health worsens significantly.

Wax plug

Blocked ear canal due to wax plug also often causes clicking in the right or left ear, especially during jaw movements (when chewing, swallowing, yawning and talking).

Dislocation of the jaw

During such an injury, the ligaments of the jaw are greatly stretched, and the capsules of the damaged joints become inflamed. Such a pathology retains the displacement of the jaw until it is repositioned. This position of the joints and muscles causes a crackling sound in the jaw that radiates to the ear.

Cervical osteochondrosis

Sharp crackling in the ear may occur due to cervical osteochondrosis. In addition to this symptom, dizziness, nausea, sleep problems and a veil before the eyes will indicate squeezing of the discs and blood vessels. Clicking in the ear when walking and moving the neck will increase.

See also: Treatment of pain in the ears with a cold

Symptoms of pathological conditions

Periodic manifestation of characteristic clicks, as a rule, does not serve as a reason for contacting specialists. It is necessary to look for the cause of the crackling in the ears if it is permanent or accompanied by pain.

Obvious discomfort, pain, dizziness and disorientation, which are accompanied by crackling in the ears, is a reason to immediately consult with specialists and identify the root cause of this condition.

Before visiting a doctor, listen to the nature of the clicks, listen to their tone and think about what circumstances provoke their occurrence and how many times they are felt in a certain period of time. Your observations will speed up the diagnosis, so that specialists will quickly determine what to do to eliminate the pathological condition.

Diagnosis and treatment

Since the clicks and pops that disturb you are localized in the ear, you should first visit Laura. The doctor will examine you, and if he does not find diseases of his “sphere” (inflammation of the ear and nasopharynx), he will direct you further – to the phoniator.
Foniator is a narrow specialist in the diagnostic department dealing with problems with the hearing organs. It will check the functionality of your ears with special tests. If hearing problems are detected, complex treatment will be prescribed for you.
If no ear specialist can identify the cause of the crackling, the next doctor you need to see is a neurologist. He can also refer you to an ophthalmologist to assess intracranial pressure.
If you suspect a pathology of the jaw that caused clicks in the auditory organs, you will be given a referral to a dentist or traumatologist.

Causes of ringing in the ears, treatment. Pulsation in the ears – clinic “Dobrobut”

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Medical Library Dobrobut

Publication date: 2019-10-11

Causes of ringing in the ears, treatment

Ringing and throbbing in the ears can occur for various reasons. To find out the truth, it is necessary to undergo an examination. Who to contact for ringing in the ears? Such patients are supervised by doctors of different profiles, depending on the disease that led to discomfort.

Causes of tinnitus

Any sound in the ears should alert, even if it was a single occurrence. The cause of tinnitus can be the pathology of not only the hearing aid, but also diseases of other organs and systems. That the condition under consideration most often occurs against the background of such disorders as:

diseases of the cardiovascular system – vascular atherosclerosis, high or low blood pressure, cerebral aneurysms, narrowing of the lumen of the jugular vein or carotid arteries;
pathology of the organ of hearing – otitis media, sulfur plug;
osteochondrosis of the cervical and thoracic spine;
neoplasms of a malignant and benign nature, localized in the tissues of the head and neck.

Often the knocking is accompanied by other symptoms – most often it is tinnitus.

How to treat tinnitus

If there is pulsation in the ears, what should I do? Some patients try to solve the problem with folk remedies, others prefer not to do anything. The condition in question may be transient and disappear with certain therapeutic actions, but this is not a reason to refuse to consult a doctor. In many cases, ringing in the ears signals the development of a serious pathology that can pose a danger not only to a person’s health, but also to his life. Therefore important:

seek help from an otolaryngologist – he will find out if the cause of this condition is ENT pathology, if necessary, prescribe an additional examination and refer you to a specialized specialist;
immediately undergo an examination by a recommended specialist who will make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

The treatment of tinnitus is to eliminate the trigger. In some cases, therapy is prescribed to stabilize blood pressure, in others – surgery to remove the diagnosed neoplasm, and so on. If the cause of tinnitus is ENT pathology, then the treatment uses:

ear ointments and drops with anti-inflammatory properties;
physiotherapy procedures;
lavage of the ear canal.

Any treatment for tinnitus must be ordered by a physician.

On our website https://www.dobrobut.com/ you can make an appointment with an ENT doctor to get a competent consultation and referral for a full examination. Only a timely appeal to a specialist will identify the cause of tinnitus and eliminate this condition.

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