Patients with tinnitus frequently experience numerous psychological repercussions. Depression is widespread among those with the illness, and many suffer from worry due to hearing difficulties. Tinnitus may be quite distressing.
Subjective tinnitus is the perception of disturbing noises that are inaudible to others, such as ringing, buzzing, and humming. This issue is more prevalent as people age and lose their hearing. In contrast, TMJ-related tinnitus often affects a younger population.
This article investigates the relationship between tinnitus and TMJ disorders. In addition, potential treatments that may provide relief for both diseases are discussed. Continue reading to learn more.
What is the Temporo-mandibular Joint (TMJ)?
The TMJ is a complicated joint because it must accommodate the front-to-back and side-to-side motions that occur during chewing.
The muscles that allow the jaw to move are among the strongest in the body. This implies that rather substantial pressures must act through the TMJ. Consequently, the joint is equally susceptible to injury as any other weight-bearing joint in the body.
Trauma, such as a “pulled muscle” or displacement of the fibrous disc that lies in the hinge joint, can cause TMJ difficulties. Other TMJ issues may be caused by chronic conditions such as arthritis within the joint.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is commonly characterized by ringing, clicking, buzzing, or hissing sounds. However, it is not an illness in and of itself but rather a sign of a problem somewhere in your ear or its nerves.
Individuals with severe tinnitus may experience difficulties hearing, functioning, disturbances in the head or neck region, and even sleeping. Tinnitus lasting only a few seconds is not necessarily uncommon. These noises can be caused by anything as simple as an obstruction, but more serious problems might also be responsible.
The sound of tinnitus varies between patients. Therefore, it makes sense that there are four distinct types of tinnitus: subjective, objective, neurological, and somatic.
Treatment for tinnitus frequently requires a combination of approaches.
When tinnitus is caused by jaw joint dysfunction (temporomandibular joint disorder), dental treatment or realignment of the bite may alleviate symptoms. However, suppose tinnitus and TMJ are the consequence of a neck injury, such as a whiplash injury. In that case, professionals can approach tinnitus treatment and TMJ by considering additional symptoms related to Whiplash-Associated Disorders.
How does the TMJ Affect Tinnitus?
According to the American Tinnitus Association, there are three basic ideas as to why TMJ disorders may induce or worsen tinnitus.
Initially, the proximity of the chewing muscles to certain of the muscles that go into the middle ear may have an influence on hearing, hence promoting tinnitus.
Functional overlap is caused by physical proximity. The inner ear is contained within the temporal bone, which is a component of the temporomandibular joint (the other part is the mandible, the jawbone). This implies that the jaw’s vibrations and pressure changes have a direct path to the ear.
Secondly, there can be a direct link between the ligaments attached to the jaw and one of the bones in the middle ear responsible for hearing. The incus or “anvil” and the malleus or “hammer” are two of the bones in the human inner ear that evolved from lizard jawbones. They maintain part of their muscle and nerve connections with the jaw, which can easily lead to jaw difficulties resulting in ear problems.
Thirdly, it has been demonstrated that the nerve supply from the TMJ has connections with brain regions that are involved in both hearing and the perception of sound.
In addition to aggravating preexisting tinnitus, the overall pain associated with TMJ issues can further exacerbate the condition.
According to scientific studies, people with TMJ problems are more likely to suffer from tinnitus.
Diagnosis
Make an appointment with your health care physician if you suspect tinnitus. They will begin the evaluation by asking about your personal and family medical history, lifestyle, and medicines.
Mention your occupation, particularly if you are exposed to loud noises and any injuries you may have sustained.
Treatment for Tinnitus
According to American Tinnitus Association, current tinnitus treatments aim to reduce tinnitus’s perceived impact, allowing patients to live a more relaxed, unburdened, and quality life.
There is presently no scientifically validated treatment for the great majority of instances of chronic tinnitus, especially those caused by sensorineural hearing loss. The search for a definitive solution is ongoing and substantial progress is being made. Still, there is no scientifically established method to completely eradicate the feeling of tinnitus at the present time.
However, excellent tools are available to assist people with tinnitus in managing their disease, including therapies that lessen the perceived severity, pervasiveness, and burden of tinnitus.
Medications for tinnitus
There are no drugs that can treat tinnitus directly. However, some medications can make the symptoms of tinnitus more acceptable for sufferers. People who experience tinnitus can frequently encounter numerous psychological repercussions. For example, antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications.
These medications may help alleviate your tinnitus symptoms, therefore increasing your quality of life. Anti-anxiety medications such as alprazolam (Xanax) can also assist with sleeplessness caused by tinnitus symptoms.
Antidepressants are unique in their ability to alleviate tinnitus symptoms since they may truly reduce the issue, not just your impression of it. Some of the neurotransmitters that modulate sound also have a role in depression. Neurotransmitters are molecules that transport sensation-related information from the body back to the brain.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a relaxation method that teaches patients how to regulate certain autonomic bodily processes, such as heart rate, muscular tension, and skin temperature. By altering the body’s response to negative influences such as stress and anxiety, biofeedback aims to assist individuals in managing these issues. Numerous chronic disorders are treated using biofeedback, and many tinnitus patients see a decrease in symptoms when they are able to manage their stress.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
High levels of emotional stress are related to tinnitus. Depression, anxiety, and sleeplessness are not uncommon among tinnitus sufferers.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a kind of talk therapy that assists tinnitus sufferers in adapting to their condition. Instead of lowering the sound itself, cognitive behavioral therapy teaches you how to tolerate it.
The objective is to enhance your quality of life and prevent tinnitus from dominating your attention.
CBT comprises weekly sessions with a therapist or counselor to identify and alter harmful thinking patterns. CBT was primarily created as a therapy for depression and other psychiatric issues, but it also seems effective for tinnitus sufferers.
Hearing Aid
A hearing aid is a tiny device that employs a microphone, amplifier, and speaker to amplify ambient sounds. A study of 230 healthcare experts revealed that over 60% of tinnitus patients reported at least some improvement using a hearing aid, while approximately 22% received great relief, as Healthline reported.
Physical Therapy
Some individuals respond favorably to physical treatment for their symptoms.
While the benefits of physical therapy and exercise are discussed as being advantageous, many patients will not have long-term or even short-term success with these therapies.
Physical treatment and exercise cannot address a problem caused by damaged and weakening ligaments of the cervical spine and damaged tendon attachments to the bone. In order for physical therapy and exercise to be effective, these soft-tissue supporting structures must be robust enough to provide the necessary resistance for muscle strengthening.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can TMJ Treatment Cure Tinnitus?
With the right TMJ treatment, you can reduce or eliminate TMJ tinnitus. The cause of tinnitus is often misaligned teeth or jaw problems, which can be treated with TMJ therapy. If you’re struggling with tinnitus, be sure to see a dentist or TMJ specialist who can help you get relief.
Will Tinnitus from TMJ Go Away?
There is a good chance that your tinnitus will disappear once the doctor has addressed the underlying TMJ. Joint problems in the jaw often cause tinnitus, so once these have been treated, the tinnitus will disappear. However, it is important to see a dentist or doctor who can properly diagnose and treat your TMJ to get relief from your tinnitus.
When is Tinnitus a Medical Emergency?
Tinnitus indicates a significant medical issue. Consult a physician if you cannot sleep, work, or hear normally. Tinnitus may be stressful for certain individuals. If you or a loved one is contemplating suicide, you should immediately visit the emergency department.
Read more: How Does Repositioning Splints for TMJ Work?
Consult with Garza DDS to learn more about tinnitus and jaw pain
If you are one of the millions who suffer from tinnitus, know that you are not alone. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this condition, but there may be an underlying cause that can be treated. Consult with a professional like Garza DDS to learn more about your specific case and find relief from your tinnitus. Jaw pain is often associated with tinnitus, so addressing any jaw problems may help improve your symptoms. Tinnitus can be frustrating and debilitating, but there are ways to manage it. With the right information and support, you can find relief and start living again.