{"id":178,"date":"2025-04-08T15:31:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-08T15:31:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sleepbetterdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=178"},"modified":"2025-04-28T15:34:03","modified_gmt":"2025-04-28T15:34:03","slug":"ears-are-ringing-is-tmd-to-blame","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sleepbetterdentistry.com\/blog\/?p=178","title":{"rendered":"My Ears Are Ringing \u2014 Is TMD to Blame?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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As the years and decades pass, it is common for people to experience hearing difficulties. Quite a few people even have to deal with a persistent ringing in their ears, which is otherwise known as tinnitus. But did you know that tinnitus is not always related to hearing loss? It might indicate that you have TMJ disorder<\/a> (TMD), a condition that afflicts the jaw joints. This blog post explores the connection between these issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

TMD and Tinnitus: How Are They Connected?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A meta-analysis published in 2018<\/a> concluded that there is a higher prevalence of tinnitus in individuals with TMD than in individuals without jaw joint problems. A separate study, published in 2019<\/a>, uncovered that TMD-related tinnitus occurred more frequently among females than males, and they were younger on average than typical tinnitus patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The link between TMD and tinnitus is likely because the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), which control jaw movement, are close to the ears. Damage or inflammation in a TMJ can impact the cochlea in the inner ear, where tiny hair cells convert sound waves to electrical impulses. When these hair cells are damaged, tinnitus can result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Identifying TMD as a Cause of Tinnitus<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tinnitus can have multiple causes, so it is important to look at other symptoms to determine what may be causing your difficulties. Here are some signs that may indicate your tinnitus is related to your temporomandibular joints:<\/p>\n\n\n\n