Tinnitus and TMD

Tinnitus is a maddening experience of hearing ringing that originates from inside your own head, and it may be caused by temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD or TMJ). Tinnitus may also be described as a constant buzzing, humming or rushing sound. Tinnitus can be distracting to the point of debilitation. You may be unable to work, concentrate or carry a conversation because of the incessant ringing.

If you are suffering from tinnitus, a careful evaluation is necessary to rule out other causes. Tinnitus caused by TMD is most often accompanied by other TMJ symptoms, which may include:

• Migraine-like headaches
• Earache
• Tooth pain
• Facial pain
• Inner ear pain
• Back, neck and shoulder pain
• Audible TMJ clicking or popping sounds

These symptoms and tinnitus together are strong indicators of TMD. Our dentists can perform diagnostic tests to determine if TMD is causing your tinnitus.

Tinnitus may also be caused by other conditions, including ear infections and ear diseases. In these cases, tinnitus is more likely to be the only reported symptom and not accompanied by those symptoms listed above.

To find out if your tinnitus may be caused by TMD in Wilson, North Carolina, please contact Boles, Ham, Dixon & Boles, DDS, to schedule an initial consultation.