What Is Tinnitus?
TMJ (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction often begins with pain in the jaw. However, it’s not uncommon for our Cincinnati TMJ patients to start experiencing symptoms in other parts of the face, neck, and shoulders over time. One potential symptom of severe TMJ disorder is tinnitus.
An estimated 20% of people suffer from tinnitus, which takes the form of an unpleasant sound in the ears. Patients with tinnitus usually hear buzzing or ringing in the ear from time to time or on a chronic basis.
The pressure patients experience in the head and face because of TMJ imbalance can affect the inner ear and lead to tinnitus, but it isn’t the only potential cause. Others include:
- Hearing loss tied to age
- Sudden or repeated exposure to loud noises
- Genetic factors
- Head injuries
- Excess earwax
TMJ disorder and many of its symptoms can adversely affect not just physical health but quality of life as well. Dr. Gary Hardin and Dr. Tara Hardin will assess your jaw function and hearing to determine whether or not dental solutions might be an effective treatment for tinnitus.
Many patients are able to find relief from multiple forms of facial pain with a custom orthotic device that relaxes joints and muscles in the jaw and aligns the bite for optimal comfort and function.
To learn more about TMJ treatment, please contact Hardin Advanced Dentistry or call (513) 234-5531 today. Dr. Tara and Dr. Gary are happy to see patients from Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, and Mason, as well as visitors from Southeast Indiana and Kentucky.
