A reader who experienced a clicking jaw and later developed tinnitus after treatment for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) asked about a possible connection between the two conditions. According to UCLA Health experts, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jaw to the skull and is cushioned by cartilage, allowing smooth movement. When this joint becomes misaligned or inflamed due to illness, injury, or mechanical issues, it can lead to TMD.
Symptoms of TMD include clicking, grinding, or popping sounds in the jaw; pain near the jaw, temple, or ear; headaches; difficulty opening the mouth; and episodes where the jaw locks. The TMJ’s proximity to ear structures means that problems with the joint can sometimes affect hearing. Shared muscles, ligaments, and nerve pathways between the jaw and middle ear may result in symptoms such as ear pain, muffled hearing, or tinnitus.
Tinnitus is described as hearing phantom sounds like buzzing or ringing without an external source. There is no single test to confirm if TMD has caused tinnitus. Diagnosis relies on medical history, symptom review, and physical examination of both jaw and ear. Doctors may check for signs of infection or physical dysfunction in the jaw through palpation and movement assessments. Hearing tests or imaging might also be recommended.
Indicators that TMD could contribute to tinnitus include ongoing jaw dysfunction, a feeling of fullness in the ear without infection, and changes in tinnitus with movements like chewing or yawning. “In your own case, the fact that the tinnitus appeared in tandem with the TMD repair you underwent suggests a possible connection,” UCLA Health advised. “It would be wise to discuss the situation with your ENT, and if needed, seek a second opinion.”
Readers are encouraged to send their health questions via email or mail to UCLA Health Sciences Media Relations for expert advice.
