Hearing loss can be a result of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues in certain individuals. TMJ edema and inflammation may readily impact the ear as well as other surrounding tissues and structures. The TMJ links the skull to the lower jaw.
Ask your healthcare practitioner to examine you for a TMJ condition if the reason for your hearing loss is still unknown or if you have hearing loss along with symptoms like headaches, jaw clicking, or trouble chewing.
The relationship between TMJ issues and hearing loss is covered in this article. It describes how hearing loss caused by TMJ symptoms may be treated, how the condition is diagnosed, and how it can influence your hearing.
What is TMJ?
The joint that joins the jaw to the skull is called the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). In front of each ear, on either side of the face, is a TMJ. These joints provide the motions required for eating, speaking, and expressing facial expressions. Joint sounds, discomfort, and atypical jaw motions can all be signs of TMJ dysfunction.
How TMJ Causes Hearing Loss
Can TMJ cause hearing loss? Given that the TMJ and middle ear are adjacent, a jaw problem may impair hearing. It’s believed that pressure or inflammation from the TMJ might impact nearby muscles and nerves, resulting in clogged eustachian tubes, however, the precise cause is unknown.
According to some specialists, disturbed middle-ear/inner-ear pressure homeostasis is the cause of hearing loss connected to TMJ.
When middle ear fluid cannot be adequately drained by the eustachian tubes, tinnitus and hearing loss may result.
Symptoms Of TMJ-related Hearing Loss
Here are some common symptoms of TMJ-related hearing loss:
- Ear pain or discomfort
- Ringing or buzzing sound in the ears (tinnitus)
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Trouble hearing or understanding speech, especially in noisy environments
- Changes in your ability to hear certain frequencies or pitches
- Sensitivity to loud sounds (hyperacusis)
- Jaw pain or stiffness
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when you move your jaw
- Headaches, particularly around the temples or behind the eyes
Please keep in mind that these symptoms can vary from person to person, and it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Types Of TMJ Disorder Hearing Loss
Conductive
The transmission of sound waves from the middle ear cavity to the inner ear is hindered by this kind of hearing loss. Sounds are softer and less powerful because there is less energy entering the inner ear than there usually is.
Sensorineural
The auditory nerve or inner ear malfunction is the cause of this kind of hearing loss. Organ damage in the inner ear can also lead to sensorineural hearing loss. It can lead to a metabolic issue in the inner ear fluids or prevent the hair cells from activating the ear’s nerves.
Mixed
This is a hybrid of the two hearing loss kinds that were previously addressed. Apart from the permanent loss of hearing resulting from inner ear or auditory nerve damage, a malfunctioning middle ear mechanism might also be the reason. Because of this, hearing loss is less common than sensorineural loss alone.
Because of its position, jaw joint inflammation and discomfort can spread to the ear. The symptoms of temporomandibular jaw problems impact the ears and hearing in a complete 85% of cases.
Because the TMJ joint is close to the ear, inflammation there may directly affect the ears. It may result in clogged or stuffy ears, discomfort, and hearing loss, among other detrimental consequences on hearing. It may also induce blocked Eustachian tubes.
Treatment for TMJ and Hearing Loss
Your hearing loss may be restored and ear-related symptoms may be relieved with treatment for a TMJ issue.
The disorder’s etiology may influence the course of treatment. Treatments for TMJ include:
- Muscle relaxers to relieve tension
- Mouth guards or splints to ease the tension in the jaw muscles
- Prescription and over-the-counter analgesics
- Acupuncture
- Counseling
- Strengthening your jaw muscles with physical therapy
- Biofeedback
In rare circumstances, your doctor could advise seeing an oral and maxillofacial surgeon to fix any TMJ impairment.
