Understanding Tinnitus: A Guide for Patients

Have you ever heard a ringing, buzzing, hissing, or whooshing sound in your ears, even when everything around you is completely quiet? This sensation is known as tinnitus. It is not a disease itself but a symptom that something may be affecting your hearing system.

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present. For some people, it might sound like a high-pitched ringing; for others, it could be a low hum, whistling, or even a pulsing noise that matches the heartbeat. It can occur in one ear or both, and its intensity can vary from mild and occasional to loud and constant.

What Causes Tinnitus?

There are many possible reasons for tinnitus, including:

✅ Hearing loss: One of the most common causes, especially age-related or due to loud noise exposure.
✅ Ear problems: Earwax buildup, infections, or problems in the middle or inner ear.
✅ Jaw joint (TMJ) disorders: Problems with the temporomandibular joint (the jaw joint just in front of your ear) can sometimes contribute to tinnitus.
✅ Neck muscle tension: Tight neck or facial muscles may play a role.
✅ Medical conditions: Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or certain medications may cause or worsen tinnitus.

How is Tinnitus Related to Orofacial Pain?

As an Orofacial Pain Consultant, I often see patients who have tinnitus along with jaw joint issues or muscle tension in the head and neck region. The jaw joint and ear structures are closely connected, so problems like teeth grinding, jaw clenching, or misalignment can sometimes trigger or aggravate tinnitus.

How is Tinnitus Diagnosed?

If you experience tinnitus, do not ignore it — especially if it comes on suddenly, is in one ear only, or is accompanied by hearing loss or dizziness. We may perform:

• A thorough medical and dental history
• An ear exam to rule out earwax or infection
• Hearing tests
• Examination of the jaw joint and surrounding muscles

In some cases, you may be referred to an ENT specialist for further evaluation.

Can Tinnitus Be Treated?

While there is no single cure for tinnitus, many patients find relief through various treatments and lifestyle adjustments:

✔️ Address underlying causes: Treat ear infections, remove earwax, or manage hearing loss with hearing aids.
✔️ Jaw care: If your tinnitus is linked to TMJ problems, treatments like jaw exercises, bite splints, or stress management can help.
✔️ Relaxation techniques: Reducing stress and muscle tension can lessen the severity of tinnitus.
✔️ Sound therapy: Low-level background noise, like a fan or gentle music, can make tinnitus less noticeable.
✔️ Counseling: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps some people cope better with persistent tinnitus.

When to See a Specialist

If tinnitus is affecting your daily life, sleep, or emotional well-being, seek professional help. Together, we can identify possible triggers and tailor a plan to manage your symptoms effectively.

Remember: You are not alone — tinnitus is common and, in many cases, manageable. With the right approach, most people learn to live comfortably with it.

If you have questions or need personalized care for tinnitus related to jaw or muscle issues, feel free to book a consultation with us.