Tinnitus and the Jaw Connection: Could TMD Be the Hidden Cause of Your Ringing Ears?

Do you hear a constant ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears—especially when the world around you is quiet? If so, you’re not alone. This mysterious condition, known as tinnitus, affects millions of people worldwide. But what if your jaw is playing a bigger role in your tinnitus than you think?

At Dental Physiotherapy with Lorraine Carroll & Simon Coghlan, we’ve worked with countless patients experiencing tinnitus linked to jaw dysfunction, tight muscles, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues. Let’s explore the surprising connection between tinnitus and the jaw—and how targeted treatment can bring relief.

What Is Tinnitus? More Than Just Ringing in the Ears

Tinnitus isn’t a condition in itself but rather a symptom of an underlying issue. It’s often described as:

🔹 Ringing – A high-pitched tone, like an old television screen

🔹 Buzzing – Similar to an electrical hum or insect wings

🔹 Whistling – A sharp, fluctuating noise

🔹 Hissing – Like steam escaping from a pipe

Tinnitus can be persistent or intermittent, affecting one or both ears. And while it’s often associated with hearing loss or exposure to loud noises, jaw dysfunction is an overlooked cause that could be triggering or worsening your symptoms.

Tinnitus and TMJ: How Your Jaw Can Impact Your Ears

Your jaw and ears are closely linked through nerves, muscles, and joint function. If you have temporomandibular disorder (TMD)—which includes jaw pain, clicking, or difficulty chewing—this may contribute to or even cause tinnitus.

Why Does This Happen?

1️⃣ Shared Nerve Pathways – The TMJ is located near the ear and shares nerve connections. When the jaw is misaligned or strained, these nerves can misfire and create the perception of sound (tinnitus).

2️⃣ Muscle Tension & Referred Pain – The masseter muscles, which help you chew, can develop trigger points (muscle knots). These tight muscles can refer pain to the ear—a phenomenon known as somatosensory tinnitus.

3️⃣ Joint Dysfunction & Pressure Changes – A misaligned or dysfunctional TMJ can cause pressure imbalances in the middle ear, leading to the sensation of ringing or fullness.

Many of our patients report that their tinnitus symptoms fluctuate with jaw movements, stress, or clenching habits—strong clues that their tinnitus is linked to TMJ dysfunction.

How Do You Know If Your Tinnitus Is Jaw-Related?

Your tinnitus may be connected to TMJ issues if you experience:

✅ Jaw pain, clicking, or stiffness

✅ Ear fullness or discomfort, especially without an infection

✅ Headaches, neck pain, or facial tension

✅ Worsening symptoms when chewing, talking, or yawning

If these sound familiar, you may benefit from specialised physiotherapy for TMJ-related tinnitus.

How We Can Help: Physiotherapy for Tinnitus & TMJ

Dysfunction

At Dental Physiotherapy with Lorraine Carroll & Simon Coghlan, we offer hands-on, evidence-based treatments that target the root cause of TMJ-related tinnitus.

1️⃣ Manual Therapy for the Jaw & Neck

Our gentle, hands-on techniques restore movement, reduce tension, and improve TMJ alignment—helping to ease tinnitus symptoms.

2️⃣ Dry Needling for Tight Jaw Muscles

Dry needling releases tight trigger points in the masseter, temporalis, and neck muscles, reducing the referred pain that may be contributing to tinnitus.

3️⃣ Postural & Breathing Training

Poor posture (like forward head posture) can strain the jaw and neck, worsening symptoms. We teach corrective exercises to realign the body and relieve tension.

4️⃣ Stress & Clenching Management

Many people with TMJ dysfunction clench or grind their teeth (bruxism)—often without realising it. We provide relaxation techniques and jaw-friendly habits to prevent further strain.

5️⃣ Laser Therapy & Acupuncture for Pain Relief

For stubborn cases, we incorporate low-level laser therapy and medical acupuncture to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and support nerve healing.

What About Dental Bite Changes? Proceed with Caution!

Some claim that orthodontic treatments, splints, or bite adjustments can cure tinnitus. While a stabilising splint (night guard) may help in certain cases, drastic dental changes can sometimes make symptoms worse. Always seek expert guidance before altering your bite for tinnitus relief.

Don’t Let Tinnitus Take Over Your Life

If you’re struggling with persistent tinnitus and jaw discomfort, you don’t have to suffer in silence. Our highly personalised, hands-on approach helps identify the root cause of your symptoms and create a treatment plan tailored to you.

📍 Where to Find Us: Dental Physiotherapy with Lorraine Carroll & Simon Coghlan

📍 Suite 2, 24-26 Gloucester Road, Buderim, 4556

📞 07 3532 8605 🌐 www.lcscphysiotherapy.com.au Book Online Now: Click Here

By Simon