Do you ever experience occasional ringing in your ears?
Then, you find out that a number of people deal with this ringing every so often.
Over time, the noise starts to get on your nerves. The more research you do, the more anxious you become.
Why is this?
It’s because you find out that about half of the 30-50 million Americans with tinnitus (ringing in the ears) end up with hearing loss.
What causes such a condition? Is there a way to stop the noise?
Today, we’ll look at a natural tinnitus treatment that many people aren’t aware of.
Tinnitus: What Is It and How Can Dental Issues Lead to Its Development?
What is Tinnitus?
Simply put, tinnitus refers to the internal ringing or buzzing sounds in the ears. This condition may come and go occasionally (once every few days or weeks). However, for many people, the noise is constant. If left untreated, tinnitus can lead to dizziness and ear pain.
What Causes Tinnitus?
This condition is the result of:
- Infections
- Blockages in the ear
- Prolonged exposure to loud noises
According to WebMD, 90% of people with tinnitus also experience noise-induced hearing loss. Loud noises damage the fragile cells of the cochlea, which results in reduced hearing capacity. People who end up with noise-induced hearing loss include:
- Musicians
- People who listen to loud music
- Construction workers and carpenters
- Pilots
- Street repair workers
- Landscapers
However, there are some people who experience tinnitus for another reason: TMJ disorders. This is where seeing a TMJ dentist can be helpful.
Tinnitus Caused by TMJ Disorder
TMJ disorder – and the TMJ-related tinnitus – is typically caused by malocclusion, which is a misalignment of the jaw, the teeth, or a combination of both. The muscles of the head and neck become strained due to improper alignment. This, in turn, puts pressure on the nerves of the jaw.
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located on either side of the face near the ears, where the upper and lower jaw meet. It is a “hinge” that allows the lower jaw, or mandible, to open and close.
Being in close proximity to each ear, it isn’t difficult to see why people end up with TMJ-related tinnitus.
A Practical and Natural Tinnitus Treatment – Why Seeing a TMJ Dentist Might Be the Best Solution
Dentists have found three reasons TMJ might contribute to tinnitus:
- Your chewing muscles can affect hearing
- Ligaments attach to both the jaw and the bones in the middle of the ear
- The nerve of the lower jaw has a connection to the hearing center of the brain
Fortunately, there are a couple of natural tinnitus treatments available to people who have TMJ-related tinnitus.
It depends on all of your TMJ symptoms. For instance, if you clench and grind your teeth, a night-guard or custom-fit TMJ orthotic can help.
Another natural tinnitus treatment might include orthodontic treatment. This targets misalignment, the root issue for most people with TMJ disorder.
Other treatments for patients with TMJ pain and TMJ-related tinnitus include:
- Stress reduction techniques to relax the muscles
- Biofeedback
- Herbal supplements
- Dietary recommendations
- Jaw and facial exercises
Natural tinnitus treatments are safe and effective in alleviating symptoms and reducing long-term risk.
Do You Deal with TMJ Tinnitus? Contact Your TMJ Dentist to Finally Put an End to the Noise
TMJ-related tinnitus is an uncomfortable condition but steps can be taken to reduce and eliminate the constant noise in your ears.
People with TMJ disorder also experience ear pain, chronic headaches, and even migraines. Seeking the help of a TMJ dentist can be beneficial in finding a natural treatment to tinnitus and reducing the risks related to such conditions.
A comprehensive oral examination can give us a clear understanding of what’s causing your tinnitus. Once we have that information, we can find the best TMJ treatment plan for your needs.
Have you tried other tinnitus remedies without success? Deldar Dental may have the answer you’ve been looking for! Contact the office for a consultation to discuss your symptoms and possible future treatments.