TMJ HEARING LOSS

THE DANGER OF NOT TREATING TMJ

If you have experienced a sudden and inexplicable loss of hearing, you might be more than a little surprised to find that the cause of your hearing loss may be in your jaw joint and not within your ear.  If you have experienced jaw ache, “popping” or “clicking” sounds in your jaw, tightened or stressed face muscles and restricted range of motion in the jaw joint, it is very likely that your loss of hearing may be due to TMJ disorder.

WHAT IS TMJ?

TMJ refers to Temporo-Mandibular Joint or the joint that connects your lower jaw to the temporal bone in the head.  TMJ disorder is caused by the malfunction of the bones, muscles, tendons or nerves of the jaw, known as the Temporo-Mandibular Joint.  This disorder can be a result of injury to the jaw bone and/or behaviors such as habitual nail chewing, gum chewing or even arthritis.

SYMPTOMS OF TMJ

Depending upon the severity of the disorder, the symptoms of TMJ disorder vary from case-to-case. Most people experience intense TMJ pain accompanied with limited movement of the lower jaw.  In mild cases, this may also be associated with stiffness of facial muscles resulting in facial strain, pain and discomfort.  In slightly more serious instances, the TMJ pain may extend to the head, neck, shoulders and back.  In extremely severe cases, TMJ disorder could lead to degeneration of the bones within the jaw joint.  TMJ hearing loss is also caused by serious TMJ disorder, especially one that is not treated for any prolonged time period.

WHAT CAUSES TMJ HEARING LOSS?

It has been pondered if TMJ hearing loss is actually possible.  Some may find it hard to believe that a disorder of the jaw joint can have a severe effect on hearing, such as hearing loss.  The facts of the matter are the ear and the jaw joint are actually in very close proximity and can and do have a deep impact on the proper performance of each other.  The pain in the jaw joint can lead to contraction of the tiny muscles inside the inner ear.  These muscles contain the ear bones (mallelus, incus and stapes).  All three ear bones are necessary for the function of hearing.  The contraction and spasm of the inner ear muscles leads to TMJ hearing problems and hearing loss.

TREATMENT METHOD FOR TMJ HEARING LOSS

The treatment for TMJ hearing loss involves ensuring that the muscles within the inner ear are relaxed and not strained from the TMJ disorder.  Generally, a TMJ mouth guard is used to relax the masticatory muscle which leads to relaxation of the inner ear muscles.  TMJ physical therapy which includes muscles relaxation exercises often will be helpful to relax the inner ear.  It is important that you consult a dentist that is highly qualified and experienced in TMJ disorder treatment to find the best treatment option for your TMJ hearing loss.