TMJ Symptoms: Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a relatively common condition in which people hear noises that aren't really there, including ringing, whistling, buzzing or hissing. Tinnitus affects roughly one in five people. Nearly half of all TMJ patients experience tinnitus.

Types

• There are two types of tinnitus: subjective and objective. In subjective tinnitus, only the patient can hear the sounds. This is far more common than objective tinnitus, in which a physician can hear the sound when listening to the inside of the patient's ear.

Significance

• Tinnitus is not a condition, but a symptom. Subjective tinnitus can be a sign of damage in the hearing nerves, or problems in the inner, middle or outer ear. Objective tinnitus is often a signifier of a blood vessel condition, inner ear bone disorder or a muscular problem.

Treatments

• Most people, including TMJ patients, can reduce or eliminate their tinnitus symptoms. Treatment will depend on finding the cause of the tinnitus, and can vary widely.

Causes

• There are a wide range of possible causes for tinnitus, many of which might seem unrelated to one another. Tinnitus can occur with age-related hearing loss. Loud noises, music or machinery can cause it, as well as earwax buildup and blockage. Other causes include Meniere's disease, stress, head and neck injuries, tumors, blood vessel disorders, high blood pressure and certain medications.

Prevention/Solution

• You can decrease your risk or the frequency of symptoms by limiting your exposure to loud noises. Wear protective ear covering at loud concerts or when around loud machinery. Smoking and alcohol can worsen tinnitus symptoms. And exercise can help combat tinnitus by improving blood flow.

Misconceptions

• Many people believe that tinnitus only occurs in older people. However, while older people are more likely to get tinnitus, it can occur at almost any age.