How are TMJ disorders related to tinnitus. What are the common symptoms of TMJ disorders. Can treating TMJ disorders alleviate tinnitus symptoms. What are the potential treatment options for TMJ-related tinnitus.

Understanding TMJ Disorders and Their Impact on Tinnitus

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders have been increasingly recognized as a potential root cause of tinnitus, particularly in younger individuals and those assigned female at birth. While tinnitus is commonly associated with age- or noise-related hearing loss, emerging evidence suggests that TMJ disorders may play a significant role in some cases.

The temporomandibular joints connect the lower jaw to the skull on both sides of the face, located directly in front of the ears. These joints are crucial for various functions, including eating, yawning, and speaking. When inflammation or irritation occurs in the surrounding ligaments and muscles, it can lead to TMJ disorders.

Causes of TMJ Disorders

• Teeth grinding (bruxism) during sleep
• Arthritis in the jaw
• Head or neck trauma
• Malocclusion (overbite or underbite)
• Dislocation of the TMJ disk

Common Symptoms of TMJ Disorders

• Clicking or popping sound in the jaw
• Pain in the jaw and ear
• Headaches
• Difficulty opening the mouth
• Jaws that lock in an open or closed position

Is there a direct link between TMJ disorders and tinnitus? A 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis found that the prevalence of tinnitus was higher in people with TMJ disorders compared to those without. This connection may be attributed to the proximity of the inner ear to the TMJ.

The Mechanism Behind TMJ-Related Tinnitus

To understand how TMJ disorders can lead to tinnitus, it’s essential to consider the anatomy of the inner ear. The cochlea, a part of the inner ear responsible for transforming sound waves into electrical impulses, is located adjacent to the temporomandibular joint. When irritation and inflammation occur in the TMJ, it can potentially damage the cochlea and other parts of the inner ear, resulting in subjective tinnitus.

Subjective vs. Objective Tinnitus

Are all cases of tinnitus the same? No, there are two main types:

1. Subjective Tinnitus: The most common form, where only the person with tinnitus can hear the noises, which are not generated by an external sound source.
2. Objective Tinnitus: A rarer form caused by internal circulatory functions or defects in ear structures. These sounds may be audible to others.

TMJ-related tinnitus typically falls under the category of subjective tinnitus, often referred to as somatic tinnitus, which is caused by musculoskeletal problems.

Characteristics of TMJ-Related Tinnitus

Research has shown that TMJ-related tinnitus has distinct characteristics that set it apart from other forms of tinnitus. A 2019 study revealed that TMJ and tinnitus often occur together in younger individuals assigned female at birth. This group tends to experience severe tinnitus accompanied by pain, pressure, and high levels of stress.

Additional Symptoms Associated with TMJ-Related Tinnitus

• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Vertigo
• Neck pain
• Poor quality of life

Can TMJ-related tinnitus be distinguished from other forms? Researchers suggest that people with tinnitus and TMJ disorders might constitute a specific tinnitus subtype due to their responsiveness to certain treatments. A 2012 study noted that individuals with both conditions were able to reduce tinnitus symptoms through head and jaw movements, as well as music and sound stimulation.

Treatment Approaches for TMJ-Related Tinnitus

While more research is needed to confirm the direct connection between treating TMJ disorders and alleviating tinnitus, the American Tinnitus Association supports addressing TMJ issues as a potential means of reducing tinnitus symptoms caused by problems with the joint.

Potential Treatments for TMJ Disorders

• Medications (muscle relaxants and antidepressants)
• Soft food diet
• Dental treatments, including bite realignment
• Mouth guards to prevent tooth grinding
• Oral splints to realign the eardrum
• Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen jaw muscles
• Corticosteroid injections into the joint
• Minimally invasive surgical procedures (e.g., arthrocentesis)
• Open joint surgery (arthrotomy) in severe cases

Do these treatments guarantee relief from tinnitus? While they may help alleviate both TMJ symptoms and tinnitus in some cases, individual results may vary. It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

The Impact of TMJ Disorders and Tinnitus on Quality of Life

Both TMJ disorders and tinnitus can significantly affect an individual’s daily life and overall well-being. The persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears, combined with jaw pain and discomfort, can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and difficulty concentrating on tasks.

How does TMJ-related tinnitus affect sleep patterns? Many individuals with this condition report difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to the constant noise in their ears. This can lead to daytime fatigue, irritability, and decreased productivity.

Moreover, the pain associated with TMJ disorders can make simple activities like eating, talking, or laughing uncomfortable or painful. This may result in social isolation and a reduced quality of life if left untreated.

Psychological Impact of TMJ-Related Tinnitus

• Increased stress and anxiety
• Depression
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feelings of frustration and helplessness
• Social withdrawal

Is there hope for individuals suffering from TMJ-related tinnitus? Yes, with proper diagnosis and treatment, many people experience significant improvement in their symptoms and overall quality of life.

Diagnostic Approaches for TMJ-Related Tinnitus

Accurately diagnosing TMJ-related tinnitus is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan. Healthcare professionals may employ various diagnostic techniques to assess the condition and determine the underlying causes.

Common Diagnostic Methods

• Physical examination of the jaw and surrounding muscles
• Dental X-rays to evaluate jaw alignment and tooth position
• CT scans or MRI to visualize the TMJ and surrounding structures
• Audiological tests to assess hearing function and tinnitus characteristics
• Electromyography to measure muscle activity in the jaw

How do healthcare providers differentiate between TMJ-related tinnitus and other forms? They often consider factors such as the patient’s age, gender, presence of jaw pain or clicking, and response to jaw movements or pressure on the TMJ.

In some cases, a multidisciplinary approach involving dentists, audiologists, and otolaryngologists may be necessary to provide a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis.

Emerging Research and Future Directions

As the connection between TMJ disorders and tinnitus becomes more apparent, researchers are exploring new avenues for understanding and treating this condition. Recent studies have focused on identifying specific biomarkers and neuroimaging techniques that could help diagnose and monitor TMJ-related tinnitus more accurately.

Promising Areas of Research

• Genetic factors influencing TMJ disorders and tinnitus susceptibility
• Advanced imaging techniques to visualize neural pathways involved in TMJ-related tinnitus
• Development of targeted therapies for somatic tinnitus
• Investigation of neuromodulation techniques for tinnitus relief
• Exploration of the role of inflammation in TMJ disorders and tinnitus

What potential breakthroughs can we expect in the future? Researchers are optimistic about developing more personalized treatment approaches based on individual patient characteristics and the specific mechanisms underlying their TMJ-related tinnitus.

Additionally, advancements in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering may offer new possibilities for repairing damaged TMJ structures and alleviating associated tinnitus symptoms.

Living with TMJ-Related Tinnitus: Coping Strategies and Self-Care

While seeking professional treatment is crucial, individuals with TMJ-related tinnitus can also implement various self-care strategies to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Effective Coping Mechanisms

• Stress reduction techniques (e.g., meditation, deep breathing exercises)
• Regular exercise to promote overall health and reduce tension
• Maintaining good posture to alleviate pressure on the TMJ
• Using heat or cold therapy to relax jaw muscles
• Avoiding excessive jaw movements (e.g., gum chewing, wide yawning)
• Practicing relaxation techniques for the jaw and facial muscles
• Incorporating sound therapy to mask tinnitus sounds

Can dietary changes help manage TMJ-related tinnitus? Some individuals find relief by avoiding hard or chewy foods that strain the jaw muscles. Additionally, reducing caffeine and alcohol intake may help alleviate tinnitus symptoms in some cases.

It’s important to note that while these self-care strategies can be beneficial, they should be used in conjunction with professional medical advice and treatment plans.

In conclusion, the relationship between TMJ disorders and tinnitus is complex and multifaceted. As research continues to shed light on this connection, individuals experiencing symptoms of both conditions should seek professional evaluation and treatment. With proper care and management, many people can find relief from TMJ-related tinnitus and improve their overall quality of life.

TMJ Disorders and Tinnitus: Relationship and Treatment

Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is largely associated with age- or noise-related hearing loss. Mounting evidence has found that, in a smaller number of cases, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders may be a root cause of tinnitus instead of hearing loss.

People with subjective tinnitus hear disquieting sounds, such as ringing, buzzing, and humming, that are imperceptible to others. This condition becomes more common as people age and begin to lose their hearing.

In contrast, tinnitus associated with TMJ disorders typically affects a younger demographic. It’s also more common in people who were assigned female at birth than those who were assigned male at birth.

In this article, we explore the connection between tinnitus and TMJ disorders. We also discuss potential treatments that may provide relief for both conditions.

TMJs connect your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull on both sides of your face. These joints are located directly in front of your ears. Your TMJs support the jaw muscles needed for eating, yawning, and speaking.

Causes of TMJ disorders

TMJ disorders are caused by inflammation or irritation of the ligaments and muscles surrounding the joints.

Potential causes include:

• grinding teeth during sleep (bruxism)
• arthritis in the jaw
• trauma to the head or neck
• malocclusion (having an overbite or underbite)
• dislocation of the TMJ disk

Symptoms of TMJ disorders

Symptoms of TMJ disorders include:

• clicking or popping sound in jaw
• pain in the jaw and ear
• headache
• difficulty opening your mouth
• jaws that lock in an open or closed position

A 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis of multiple studies found that the prevalence of tinnitus was higher in people with TMJ disorders than in people without TMJ disorders. This may be due to the proximity of the inner ear to the TMJ.

A part in the inner ear called the cochlea transforms sound waves into electrical impulses that the brain translates into recognizable sounds. Damage to the hair cells in the cochlea is a catalyst for tinnitus.

Because the cochlea is located next to the temporomandibular joint, irritation and inflammation in the joint may damage the cochlea and other parts of the inner ear. This may cause subjective tinnitus.

Subjective vs objective tinnitus

Subjective tinnitus is the most common form of tinnitus. Noises are heard only by a person with tinnitus and are not generated by an exterior sound source.

Objective tinnitus is a rarer form of tinnitus. The sounds are typically caused by internal circulatory functions (blood flow) or defects in the structures of the ear. The sounds may be loud enough to be heard by another person.

Was this helpful?

A 2019 research study found that TMJ and tinnitus often occur together in people who were assigned female at birth and who are younger than the average tinnitus patient.

Tinnitus in this group tends to be severe and accompanied by pain, pressure, and high levels of stress.

Accompanying symptoms include:

• dizziness
• headache
• vertigo
• neck pain
• poor quality of life

Tinnitus related to TMJ disorders is sometimes referred to as a type of somatic tinnitus. Somatic tinnitus is defined as tinnitus that’s caused by a musculoskeletal problem.

Researchers involved in a 2019 study noted that people with tinnitus and TMJ disorders might make up a specific tinnitus subtype. Their reasoning was based on this group’s responsiveness to specific treatments.

A 2012 study noted that people with tinnitus and TMJ disorders were able to reduce tinnitus symptoms through movements of the head and jaw. Music and sound stimulation also had a beneficial effect.

Research data from as far back as 1997 found that treating TMJ disorders helps alleviate tinnitus in people with both conditions. However, recent studies suggest more research is needed to confirm this connection.

Even so, the American Tinnitus Association is in favor of treating TMJ disorders to alleviate tinnitus that’s caused by problems with the joint.

Possible treatments for TMJ disorders

There are several types of treatments for TMJ disorders that may help alleviate both tinnitus and jaw pain. These include:

• medications, such as muscle relaxants and antidepressants
• a soft food diet
• dental treatments, including bite realignment
• mouth guards to prevent tooth grinding
• oral splints to realign the eardrum
• physical therapy to stretch and strengthen jaw muscles
• corticosteroid injections into the joint
• minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as arthrocentesis
• open joint surgery (arthrotomy)

TMJ disorders and tinnitus are challenging conditions that can negatively affect your quality of life. Whether you have TMJ disorders or symptoms of tinnitus in one or both ears, talk with a doctor. This is especially important if you’re having difficulty keeping up with daily activities, or if you feel anxious or depressed.

Treatments exist for both tinnitus and TMJ disorders.

TMJ disorders are often treated by a dental professional. Talk with your current healthcare professional about the type of specialist who’s best suited to treat your symptoms.

Research suggests TMJ disorders are a cause of tinnitus in some instances. People who have both conditions tend to be younger than the average tinnitus patient.

People assigned female at birth also seem to be more affected by TMJ disorders and accompanying tinnitus than people assigned male at birth.

When tinnitus is caused by TMJ disorders, treatments specific to this cause may help alleviate symptoms.

Talk with your doctor or dentist about potential treatments and which may be best suited for you.

TMJ Disorders and Tinnitus: Relationship and Treatment

Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is largely associated with age- or noise-related hearing loss. Mounting evidence has found that, in a smaller number of cases, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders may be a root cause of tinnitus instead of hearing loss.

People with subjective tinnitus hear disquieting sounds, such as ringing, buzzing, and humming, that are imperceptible to others. This condition becomes more common as people age and begin to lose their hearing.

In contrast, tinnitus associated with TMJ disorders typically affects a younger demographic. It’s also more common in people who were assigned female at birth than those who were assigned male at birth.

In this article, we explore the connection between tinnitus and TMJ disorders. We also discuss potential treatments that may provide relief for both conditions.

TMJs connect your lower jaw (mandible) to your skull on both sides of your face. These joints are located directly in front of your ears. Your TMJs support the jaw muscles needed for eating, yawning, and speaking.

Causes of TMJ disorders

TMJ disorders are caused by inflammation or irritation of the ligaments and muscles surrounding the joints.

Potential causes include:

• grinding teeth during sleep (bruxism)
• arthritis in the jaw
• trauma to the head or neck
• malocclusion (having an overbite or underbite)
• dislocation of the TMJ disk

Symptoms of TMJ disorders

Symptoms of TMJ disorders include:

• clicking or popping sound in jaw
• pain in the jaw and ear
• headache
• difficulty opening your mouth
• jaws that lock in an open or closed position

A 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis of multiple studies found that the prevalence of tinnitus was higher in people with TMJ disorders than in people without TMJ disorders. This may be due to the proximity of the inner ear to the TMJ.

A part in the inner ear called the cochlea transforms sound waves into electrical impulses that the brain translates into recognizable sounds. Damage to the hair cells in the cochlea is a catalyst for tinnitus.

Because the cochlea is located next to the temporomandibular joint, irritation and inflammation in the joint may damage the cochlea and other parts of the inner ear. This may cause subjective tinnitus.

Subjective vs objective tinnitus

Subjective tinnitus is the most common form of tinnitus. Noises are heard only by a person with tinnitus and are not generated by an exterior sound source.

Objective tinnitus is a rarer form of tinnitus. The sounds are typically caused by internal circulatory functions (blood flow) or defects in the structures of the ear. The sounds may be loud enough to be heard by another person.

Was this helpful?

A 2019 research study found that TMJ and tinnitus often occur together in people who were assigned female at birth and who are younger than the average tinnitus patient.

Tinnitus in this group tends to be severe and accompanied by pain, pressure, and high levels of stress.

Accompanying symptoms include:

• dizziness
• headache
• vertigo
• neck pain
• poor quality of life

Tinnitus related to TMJ disorders is sometimes referred to as a type of somatic tinnitus. Somatic tinnitus is defined as tinnitus that’s caused by a musculoskeletal problem.

Researchers involved in a 2019 study noted that people with tinnitus and TMJ disorders might make up a specific tinnitus subtype. Their reasoning was based on this group’s responsiveness to specific treatments.

A 2012 study noted that people with tinnitus and TMJ disorders were able to reduce tinnitus symptoms through movements of the head and jaw. Music and sound stimulation also had a beneficial effect.

Research data from as far back as 1997 found that treating TMJ disorders helps alleviate tinnitus in people with both conditions. However, recent studies suggest more research is needed to confirm this connection.

Even so, the American Tinnitus Association is in favor of treating TMJ disorders to alleviate tinnitus that’s caused by problems with the joint.

Possible treatments for TMJ disorders

There are several types of treatments for TMJ disorders that may help alleviate both tinnitus and jaw pain. These include:

• medications, such as muscle relaxants and antidepressants
• a soft food diet
• dental treatments, including bite realignment
• mouth guards to prevent tooth grinding
• oral splints to realign the eardrum
• physical therapy to stretch and strengthen jaw muscles
• corticosteroid injections into the joint
• minimally invasive surgical procedures, such as arthrocentesis
• open joint surgery (arthrotomy)

TMJ disorders and tinnitus are challenging conditions that can negatively affect your quality of life. Whether you have TMJ disorders or symptoms of tinnitus in one or both ears, talk with a doctor. This is especially important if you’re having difficulty keeping up with daily activities, or if you feel anxious or depressed.

Treatments exist for both tinnitus and TMJ disorders.

TMJ disorders are often treated by a dental professional. Talk with your current healthcare professional about the type of specialist who’s best suited to treat your symptoms.

Research suggests TMJ disorders are a cause of tinnitus in some instances. People who have both conditions tend to be younger than the average tinnitus patient.

People assigned female at birth also seem to be more affected by TMJ disorders and accompanying tinnitus than people assigned male at birth.

When tinnitus is caused by TMJ disorders, treatments specific to this cause may help alleviate symptoms.

Talk with your doctor or dentist about potential treatments and which may be best suited for you.

Temporomandibular Joint and Tinnitus – Tinnitus Neuro-Tinnitus Treatment

17
Apr
2019

17 Apr 2019 News, Causes of subjective tinnitus ah, in evidence not needs. The same goes for neck problems. Tinnitus is often caused by injuries to the jaw and neck, which we successfully ignore in our youth. But then, when talking, chewing, turning and tilting the head begin to cause tinnitus, many seek medical help. And they do exactly the right thing. Modern medicine has many opportunities to save such patients from annoying and annoying tinnitus.

Contents of the article:

• 1 Features of the TMJ
• 2 How does the pathology of the TMJ manifest itself?
  • 2.1 Diagnosis: where and by whom?
• 3 How to treat?
• 4 Neck problems and tinnitus

TMJ features

The temporomandibular joint is a complex articulation that allows the jaw to move not only up and down, but also sideways. In addition, it is controlled by the most powerful muscles of the human body – chewing.

Problems with it can be different:

1. dislocation of the fibrous disc inside the articular cavity;
2. injury of articular surfaces;
3. excessive muscular effort applied to the jaw;
4. arthritis, as a manifestation of systemic pathology and arthrosis, as a result of wear and tear of the joint;
5. infectious processes spreading to the TMJ from the ENT organs, the mastoid process.

How does TMJ pathology manifest itself?

Typical symptoms for the problems listed above are pain when opening the mouth and tinnitus. The reason for the first is clear: swelling of the capsule, friction of the articular heads. As for tinnitus, things are a bit more complicated here.

First, the masticatory muscles are located next to the muscle fibers that control the structures of the middle ear. Therefore, the excessive tone of the masticatory muscles affects hearing, contributes to the appearance of tinnitus.

Secondly, in the pathology of the TMJ, small ligaments that go from the joint to the auditory ossicles of the middle ear may be involved in the process. Comments are superfluous.

Thirdly, the nerve centers that control the work of the temporomandibular joint are closely connected with the parts of the brain responsible for hearing and interpreting sounds. If one system suffers, then the function of the second is also impaired.

In addition, when a joint is dysfunctional, it starts making sounds on its own.

And quite characteristic: clicking with each opening and closing of the mouth, creaking, even grinding. Very annoying and stressful condition.

Diagnostics: where and who?

For most patients, it is enough to see a dentist. But it is also worth preparing for instrumental additional examination: X-ray, CT, and sometimes MRI.

In modern conditions, it is even possible to do arthroscopy: to examine the state of the temporomandibular joint with the help of a micro-camera inserted into its cavity.

How to treat?

In many cases, TMJ problems are helped by simple recommendations:

• switch to a soft food diet;
• relaxation exercises for chewing muscles;
• use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
• people with bruxism (teeth grinding at night) should have a special mouth guard fitted.

But sometimes, in order for the noise to finally subside, one has to resort to surgery and even prosthetics of individual structures of the joint.

Neck problems and tinnitus

The cervical spine is very vulnerable, especially in case of an accident. It is also prone to inflammation and osteochondrosis.
Regarding common diseases of the cervical region, we have a separate article on our website (opens in a new tab).

Read about the pathology of the cervical spine

Tinnitus associated with neck pathology is often accompanied by psycho-emotional disorders (depression), cognitive (poor memory, difficulty concentrating) and somatic (dizziness) disorders.

Naturally, in order to help such patients get rid of tinnitus, it is necessary to establish the source of the problem as accurately as possible, for which the entire arsenal of techniques (X-ray, CT, MRI) is used. And only after a complete examination, it is possible to draw up an algorithm for the treatment of a particular patient.

The Tinnitus Neuro clinic has everything you need for professional assistance to people with cervicogenic tinnitus: call us 8-495-374-92-03 or contact us through the website.

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Indications for intra-articular (temporomandibular joint) steroids for tinnitus

Indications for intra-articular (temporomandibular joint) steroids for tinnitus

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Indications for intra-articular (in the temporomandibular joint) administration of steroids for tinnitus

Journal:

Bulletin of otorhinolaryngology.

2019;84(6): 138‑138

How to quote:

Indications for intra-articular (in the temporomandibular joint) administration of steroids for tinnitus. Bulletin of otorhinolaryngology.
2019;84(6):138-138.
Temporomandibular steroids in patients with tinnitus: only on indication. Vestnik Oto-Rino-Laringologii. 2019;84(6):138-138. (In Russ.)

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K. Henk, K. Mark

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Patients with tinnitus of undetermined cause may have temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, one treatment for which is intra-articular steroids. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of temporomandibular joint steroid administration for the treatment of patients with tinnitus and to more specifically determine the indications for this therapy. We analyzed 70 case histories of patients who came to the clinic from October 2016 to October 2018 for consultations about tinnitus lasting more than 1 month. They were treated with steroid injections into the temporomandibular joint. The data of complaints and anamnesis of patients, radiographs of the cervical spine and audiograms were evaluated. Dynamic monitoring of the effectiveness of therapy was carried out by an independent observer using a telephone survey. Reduction in tinnitus during the 7-week follow-up was achieved in 20% of patients receiving intra-articular injections. After 18 months, this positive effect was observed in 50% of patients. Of the side effects from intra-articular injections after 7 weeks of observation, an increase in the intensity of tinnitus was noted in 11% of patients and general side effects from the use of steroids in 3% of patients. In patients with ANS disorders, unilateral tinnitus was identified in combination with pain in the neck. In 53% of patients with unilateral tinnitus in combination with neck pain, after 7 weeks of treatment with intra-articular injections, a decrease in the intensity of tinnitus was noted, and in 40% of them, the intensity of the noise decreased by more than half. An increase in the intensity of tinnitus as a side effect was observed in 7% of patients in this group.