If you’ve been living with a persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears and every test has come back normal, you’re not alone. Many people with tinnitus struggle to find answers. For some, especially when symptoms seem to fluctuate with jaw movement or posture, the explanation may lie outside the ear itself. This […] The post Could Your Tinnitus Be Related To Your Jaw? first appeared on New York TMJ & Orofacial Pain.
If you’ve been living with a persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears and every test has come back normal, you’re not alone. Many people with tinnitus struggle to find answers. For some, especially when symptoms seem to fluctuate with jaw movement or posture, the explanation may lie outside the ear itself. This article explores the infrequent but important tinnitus-jaw connection for patients seeking clarity.
While tinnitus is most often linked to hearing loss or inner ear disorders, there are cases where the musculoskeletal systems play a role. Specifically, the jaw- and neck-related muscles may be involved. This isn’t common, but it does happen.
Meet the Expert
I’m Dr. Donald Tanenbaum, a board-certified orofacial pain specialist with over 40 years of experience diagnosing and treating jaw disorders, facial pain, and complex head and neck conditions. At New York TMJ & Orofacial Pain, our team is dedicated to helping patients find relief when traditional medical evaluations fall short.
In some patients, tinnitus that remains unexplained and changes with jaw or neck movement points to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) or surrounding muscles as possible contributors.
A Patient Story: When the Clues Point to the Jaw
Matt, a 37-year-old delivery manager, came to my office after months of fullness and ringing in his right ear. His ENT had done everything, including hearing tests, MRI scans, and a full evaluation. All results were normal.
However, Matt shared that he clenched his teeth during the day, had a history of nighttime grinding, and sometimes noticed that his tinnitus changed pitch when he clenched his jaw or opened wide. That was an important clue. His symptoms suggested somatosensory tinnitus, a form of tinnitus influenced by physical movement and muscle activity.
Understanding the Tinnitus Jaw Connection for Patients
If you’ve already read my article 5 Signs Your Tinnitus May Be Linked to TMJ, this post will take you a step further by exploring how and why that connection may occur, and what signs to watch for.
Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) can affect the jaw joint, muscles, and nearby structures. In infrequent situations, these issues may contribute to tinnitus. Here’s how the connection might work.
1. The Discomalleolar (Pinto’s) Ligament
This small ligament links the TMJ disc to a middle ear bone. When the TMJ disc is displaced or under tension, force may be transmitted into the ear, possibly altering sound perception.
2. The Tensor Veli Palatini and Tensor Tympani Muscles
These muscles help regulate pressure in the middle ear and reduce internal sounds like chewing. They share nerve supply with the jaw muscles. If your jaw is tight or overused, these muscles may become hyperactive, contributing to fullness or tinnitus.
3. Overworked Jaw and Neck Muscles
Clenching, grinding, or poor posture can lead to tension in the muscles of the jaw and neck. Though not a direct cause of tinnitus, this tension can overstimulate nerves and influence how the brain interprets sound signals.
When the Sound Changes with Movement
If your tinnitus changes in pitch, intensity, or location when you do any of the below, you may be experiencing somatosensory tinnitus. That’s a key sign your musculoskeletal system may be involved:
- Clench or unclench your teeth
- Open your mouth wide
- Move your jaw from side to side
- Tilt or turn your head
Matt’s experience aligned with this pattern. His tinnitus changed with jaw activity and eased slightly with certain movements. These patterns helped us identify the likely source and develop a tailored treatment plan.
What Treatment Can Look Like
If your tinnitus is linked to jaw or neck muscle tension, treatment aims to reduce overactivity and restore muscle balance. While improvement is not guaranteed, some patients experience noticeable relief. Options may include:
Physical therapy for posture and neck mobility
Relaxation exercises for jaw and facial muscles
Coaching to reduce daytime clenching and jaw-bracing behaviors
Massage, muscle injections, or chiropractic care
Acupuncture or BOTOXⓇ for persistent muscle tension
Matt’s treatment plan involved posture correction, jaw relaxation techniques, physical therapy, and targeted muscle injections. Within two months, he experienced a significant reduction in symptom intensity and gained confidence in managing his condition.
Consider Seeing an Orofacial Pain Specialist
If your tinnitus has no clear medical cause and seems to change with jaw or head movement, it may be worth exploring whether a musculoskeletal issue is contributing.
Orofacial pain specialists are dental professionals with advanced training in diagnosing and treating disorders of the jaw, face, and neck. They are uniquely positioned to assess the tinnitus jaw connection for patients who have not found answers through conventional care.
You can search for a board-certified provider through the American Board of Orofacial Pain directory: Find a Specialist
If you are in the New York City area, New York TMJ & Orofacial Pain has multiple locations and offers expert evaluation and care by board-certified orofacial pain specialists.
Final Thoughts
Most tinnitus is not caused by TMJ problems. But for certain patients, especially when the sound changes with movement, the connection between the jaw and tinnitus deserves attention.
This article was written to explain the tinnitus-jaw connection for patients. Now you’re better equipped to ask informed questions, explore new options, and take the next step toward finding relief.
10 FAQs About TMJ & Tinnitus
Could TMJ be causing my tinnitus?
Yes, in some cases, TMJ disorders can contribute to tinnitus, especially when symptoms change with jaw movement or posture.
What is somatosensory tinnitus?
It’s a type of tinnitus that changes in response to physical movement, like jaw clenching or neck turning.
How do I know if my tinnitus is related to my jaw?
If your tinnitus gets louder, softer, or changes pitch when you move your jaw, it may be related to the TMJ.
What kind of doctor treats TMJ-related tinnitus?
A board-certified orofacial pain specialist is trained to evaluate and treat tinnitus caused by jaw or muscle tension.
Can treating TMJ reduce tinnitus symptoms?
Yes, some patients experience relief when jaw tension and muscle overactivity are properly managed.
Is TMJ-related tinnitus permanent?
Not always. Many patients find their symptoms improve with targeted care, especially when treated early.
Why does my tinnitus get louder when I clench my jaw?
Clenching activates muscles and nerves near the ear, which can affect sound perception and trigger or worsen tinnitus.
Can neck posture affect tinnitus?
Yes. Poor posture or muscle strain in the neck can influence somatosensory tinnitus in some individuals.
How common is TMJ-related tinnitus?
It is relatively uncommon. Most tinnitus is not caused by TMJ issues, but the tinnitus-jaw connection does exist for a small group of patients.
Where can I find an orofacial pain specialist?
You can visit abop.net to find a board-certified provider near you.
The post Could Your Tinnitus Be Related To Your Jaw? first appeared on New York TMJ & Orofacial Pain.
