Can TMJ Cause Tinnitus?

TMJ-related tinnitus is a form of somatic tinnitus, where movement or dysfunction in the jaw and surrounding muscles affects nerve pathways connected to hearing. When these nerves are stimulated, it can cause tinnitus to be louder. Studies show that people with TMJ disorders are up to eight times more likely to experience tinnitus.

This article is a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about TMJ tinnitus, including a self-test for TMJ pain and home exercises you can start with today.

• TMJ Self-Test: Is Your Tinnitus From TMJ Problems?
• How Does TMJ Cause Ringing in the Ears?
• What Does It Sound Like?
• How Migraine, TMJ and Tinnitus Symptoms Are Linked
• Bruxism, TMJ and Tinnitus
• How to Stop TMJ Ear Ringing – Including Home Exercises

What is “TMJ” disorder?

When people say “I have TMJ”, they are referring to having pain or functional problems in the jaw joint, also known as the temporomandibular joint (“TMJ”).

TMJ problems, collectively called temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs), can cause pain, reduced mobility, and other symptoms that impact surrounding nerves and muscles. There are 30 recognized types of TMDs, which can be broadly categorized into two main groups: structural and myofascial.

Structural Temporomandibular Disorders

Structural TMDs involve physical damage, degeneration, or misalignment of the TM joint itself. This can include conditions affecting the bones, cartilage, or joint capsule and is sometimes called “arthrogenous TMD” (arthrogenous means joint-related). Common causes include:

• Arthritis: Inflammation or degeneration of the TM joint can limit movement and cause pain.
• Prior trauma: Injuries, such as fractures or dislocations, can permanently alter joint structure.
• Joint misalignment: Irregular positioning of the jaw joint (e.g., from a “bad bite”) may result in abnormal joint function.

Structural TMDs can lead to a reduced range of motion, jaw locking, and clicking or popping sounds during jaw movement. These mechanical disruptions may also irritate nerves linked to auditory processing, contributing to ear-related symptoms such as tinnitus.

Myofascial Temporomandibular Disorders

Myofascial TMDs are the most common form of TM joint disorders. They arise from chronic tension, inflammation, or injury in the muscles and nerves surrounding the TM joint. It is sometimes called “myogenous TMD” (myogenous means muscle-related).

Key contributing factors to myofascial TMDs include:

• Chronic muscle tension: Stress, anxiety, or bruxism (teeth grinding) can cause persistent jaw muscle tightness.
• Inflammation: Repeated strain on the muscles of mastication (e.g., “chewing muscles” like the masseter and temporalis) can lead to localized inflammation and nerve sensitization.
• Nerve irritation: Overworked jaw muscles can compress nearby sensory nerves, particularly branches of the trigeminal nerve, heightening tinnitus symptoms.

In myofascial TMDs, patients often experience pain that radiates from the jaw to the ears, neck, and temples. Tinnitus, ear crackling, and feelings of ear fullness are common ear symptoms associated with this form of TMD.

Headache-Related Temporomandibular Disorders

A third type of TMDs are those that relate to headaches. Both structural and myofascial TMD can contribute to headache disorders. In these cases, pain from the jaw muscles and/or TM joint may trigger tension-type headaches or migraine-like symptoms.

Studies show around 80% of patients with painful TMD suffer from chronic headaches [2]. The interconnected nature of these conditions highlights the importance of managing both musculoskeletal and neurological components of TMD.

Importantly, headache-related TMDs often make tinnitus worse by amplifying sensory input and increasing overall brain sensitivity (also called “central sensitization”).

TMJ Test: Is Your Tinnitus from TMJ Problems?

If you’ve been dealing with jaw pain and tinnitus, it’s possible that TMD may be contributing to your symptoms. Take this 6-Question TMD Test to help determine the probability of a TMD diagnosis.

Accuracy of the TMD Test

• Sensitivity: 97% (Ability to detect true cases of TMD)
• Specificity: 95% (Ability to rule out non-TMD cases)

6-Question TMD Test

Answer the following questions based on your experiences over the last 30 days.

1. In the last 30 days, which of the following best describes any pain in your jaw or temple area on either side?

• No pain (0 points)
• Pain comes and goes (1 point)
• Pain is always present (2 points)

2. In the last 30 days, have you had pain or stiffness in your jaw when you first wake up?

• No (0 points)
• Yes (1 point)

3. In the last 30 days, did the following activities change any pain (that is, make it better or worse) in your jaw or temple area?

A. Chewing hard or tough food

• No (0 points)
• Yes (1 point)

B. Opening your mouth or moving your jaw forward or to the side

• No (0 points)
• Yes (1 point)

C. Jaw habits such as holding teeth together, clenching/grinding, or chewing gum

• No (0 points)
• Yes (1 point)

D. Other jaw activities such as talking, kissing, or yawning

• No (0 points)
• Yes (1 point)

How to Score and Understand Your Results

Add up your points based on your responses to each question. A score of 3 points or higher indicates a positive outcome for TMD-related pain. This means you may have painful TMD according to clinical guidelines. Consider consulting a healthcare professional specializing in jaw disorders for further evaluation and treatment.

For a score of under 3 points, it’s unlikely that you have painful TMD. However, if you continue to experience symptoms such as jaw pain and tinnitus, other factors may be involved, and further investigation might still be warranted.

How Does TMJ Cause Tinnitus?

Studies show that tinnitus is eight times more common in people who suffer from TMJ disorder [1]. However, TMJ dysfunction doesn’t directly cause tinnitus. Instead, it can heighten tinnitus perception and amplify its loudness due to the intricate anatomical and neurological connections between the jaw joint and the hearing system.

What Is Somatic Tinnitus?

Somatic tinnitus (“somatosensory tinnitus”) is when pre-existing tinnitus is influenced or amplified by sensory inputs from the body. The term “somatic” is derived from the Latin word soma, meaning “body,” highlighting how this form of tinnitus involves sensory feedback from the body's musculoskeletal and nervous systems.

Unlike tinnitus caused by damage to the inner ear or hearing system, somatic tinnitus is often linked to physical dysfunctions, including:

• TMJ disorders
• Neck pain or stiffness
• Facial pain or pressure

Research suggests that the majority of tinnitus sufferers can modulate the pitch or volume of their tinnitus with physical movements (somatosensory modulation), such as:

• Clenching or shifting the jaw
• Tilting or rotating the neck
• Opening the mouth wide

How does TMJ cause ringing in the ears?

TMJ activity does not cause tinnitus, it modifies and amplifies it. TMJ activity alters sensory input to the brainstem, where the TMJ and hearing nerve pathways intersect. Movements, muscle tension, or inflammation in the TMJ region can modify neural activity in the hearing system, making tinnitus more pronounced.

The high prevalence of somatosensory modulation of tinnitus underscores the strong physical connection between the jaw joint and the hearing system. This occurs through the trigeminal nerve, which connects TMJ function to the brain’s auditory processing centers.

The Trigeminal Nerve, TMJ and Tinnitus

Loud tinnitus linked to TMJ issues stems from the interaction between sensory and auditory pathways in the brainstem, where nerve signals intersect and influence one another. The trigeminal nerve plays a key role in this process.

What Is the Trigeminal Nerve?

The trigeminal nerve is responsible for sensory and motor functions in the face and jaw muscles. It has three main branches:

• Ophthalmic branch (V1): Carries sensory (sensation) input from the upper face and forehead.
• Maxillary branch (V2): Transmits sensory signals from the middle face, including the nose and cheeks.
• Mandibular branch (V3): Provides both sensory and motor (movement) control to the lower jaw, including muscles involved in chewing and the tensor tympani muscle in the middle ear.

This nerve plays a central role in pain perception, muscle coordination, and sensory integration across the head and neck regions. The trigeminal nucleus (where the cells are located in the brainstem) connects to nerves that supply the jaw and neck muscles.

Sometimes, disorders of the trigeminal nerve (like atypical migraine) may present with just neck muscle spasms or jaw stiffness instead of a headache. Loud tinnitus is another manifestation of atypical migraine.

The Trigeminal Nerve and TMJ Symptoms

TMJ dysfunction can cause inflammation, irritation, and over-activation of the trigeminal nerve endings. This may lead to several interconnected symptoms:

• Jaw pain and restricted movement
• Referred pain to the temples, ears, and face
• Tension headaches or migraines, driven by sensory nerve overload and central sensitization
• Neck pain mediated through trigeminal nerve connections in the brainstem

Trigeminal Nerve -Jaw Joint – Hearing System Connection

The trigeminal nerve and the auditory system are anatomically connected. This is a key point to understand because it explains explains:

• Why physical movements like jaw clenching or neck rotation can cause tinnitus to be louder.
• Why chronic TMJ pain or inflammation can worsen tinnitus symptoms.

The trigeminal nucleus, located in the brainstem, integrates sensory input from the trigeminal and neck nerves. It directly connects with key auditory processing centers, including the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN), the first relay station in the hearing pathway in the brain.

The DCN plays a pivotal role in tinnitus, as it receives and processes both auditory and non-auditory sensory input. Irritation or inflammation of the trigeminal nerve, often in conjunction with TMJ dysfunction, can lead to neural cross-talk, where somatosensory signals alter or amplify hearing perception.

The Role of the Trigeminal Nerve in TMJ-related Tinnitus

The interaction between the trigeminal nerve and auditory pathways leads to two primary mechanisms for TMJ-related tinnitus:

1. Movement-Modulated Tinnitus

Physical movements of the jaw, head, or neck alter tinnitus loudness or pitch. This occurs when temporary nerve activation in the trigeminal nerve modifies sensory input in the auditory system. Common triggers include:

• Clenching or grinding teeth
• Jaw shifting or opening wide
• Tilting or rotating the head

Importantly, this type of somatosensory modulation can occur even when there is no underlying TMJ problems.

2. Inflammation-Driven Tinnitus

Chronic TMJ inflammation can lead to persistent trigeminal nerve irritation, resulting in an increase in brain sensitivity and lower threshold for migraine-like symptoms, including loud tinnitus. Neural mechanisms include:

• Prolonged inflammation that increase sensation and hearing sensitivity.
• Central sensitization, where the nervous system becomes hypersensitive, resulting in amplified tinnitus and pain signals.

Inflammation-driven tinnitus goes beyond simple somatosensory modulation—these effects are more persistent and deeply rooted in the nervous system. Rather than being temporary or easily reversible, they often require targeted, multidisciplinary treatment to address both the underlying neural mechanisms and symptom severity.

Central Sensitization in Tinnitus and TMJ Disorders

“Central sensitization” is a state where the nervous system becomes hyper-reactive, amplifying pain and sensory signals beyond their original intensity. This heightened sensitivity—often described as increased “brain sensitivity”—can make even minor sensory inputs feel amplified.

In the case of chronic TMJ dysfunction, persistent activation of the trigeminal nerve can cause the central nervous system to become overly responsive, leading to an exaggerated perception of both jaw pain and tinnitus.

How Central Sensitization Develops in TMJ-Related Tinnitus:

Process	Description
Prolonged Nerve Activation	Chronic TMJ dysfunction leads to repeated irritation of the trigeminal nerve, which is deeply connected to both pain perception and auditory processing.
Neural Cross-Talk	Sensory signals from the jaw can spill over into the auditory pathways, particularly in the dorsal cochlear nucleus, where both pain and sound processing intersect.
Heightened Brain Excitability	Over time, the brain adapts by increasing its sensitivity to sensory input, meaning even minor jaw irritation can trigger disproportionate pain and tinnitus flare-ups.
Persistent Symptoms	Once central sensitization takes hold, tinnitus and TMJ-related discomfort may persist long after the initial injury or dysfunction has healed.

Why Central Sensitization Matters for Chronic TMJ and Tinnitus:

• Pain and tinnitus become linked – The brain processes both as persistent, distressing signals rather than separate issues.
• Fluctuations occur based on triggers – Stress, poor sleep, hormonal shifts, dietary factors, and sensory overload can all worsen symptoms due to the heightened excitability of the nervous system.
• More resistance to treatment – Standard treatments for TMJ dysfunction or tinnitus alone may be less effective if central sensitization is not addressed.

Understanding central sensitization explains why TMJ-related tinnitus may not resolve with jaw treatments alone. A multimodal approach that targets both musculoskeletal dysfunction and nervous system regulation—such as sound therapy, cognitive retraining, and neuroinflammation management—is key to long-term improvement.

Can TMJ Cause Ear Ringing?

TMJ activity doesn't cause ear ringing, but it does modify it. Sensory input from the jaw can directly affect tinnitus, even in the absence of TMJ dysfunction.

However, when TMJ dysfunction is present, the affect can go beyond just transient, motion dependent changes in ear ringing. Instead, the underlying nerve irritation, inflammation, ear pain, and muscle tension can create a feedback loop that sustains or worsens tinnitus symptoms over time.

This understanding has significant clinical implications. By addressing the root causes—such as reducing muscle tension, inflammation, and neural cross-talk—treatment strategies can effectively target both TMJ pain and tinnitus.

What does TMJ tinnitus sound like?

The sound of TMJ-related tinnitus varies depending on the underlying mechanism driving it. Different scenarios can affect both the quality and duration of the tinnitus, making some cases more transient while others persist for extended periods. There are 3 different manifestations of TMJ-related symptoms, each with its own characteristics; movement modulated, inflammation driven, and atypical migraine related.

Movement Modulated:

• Tinnitus loudness or pitch is synchronized with jaw movements, clenching, or head and neck shifts.
• Tinnitus typically returns to baseline immediately after movement stops.
• This form of TMJ tinnitus is transient and usually normal.

Inflammation Driven:

• Tinnitus intensity follows TMJ flare-ups, worsening during active inflammation.
• If TMJ symptoms come and go, tinnitus will fluctuate accordingly.
• In cases of chronic TMJ, tinnitus may remain loud until inflammation is controlled.

Atypical Migraine Related:

• Tinnitus fluctuations can last for hours to days, or, a sustained high level of loudness.
• Highly sensitive to sensory overload, stress, and sleep disturbances.
• Often associated with central sensitization and atypical migraine processes.

Understanding the pattern and behavior of TMJ-related tinnitus can help guide treatment strategies, whether it be jaw relaxation exercises, inflammation management, or broader neurological interventions.

Can TMJ Cause Pulsatile Tinnitus?

While rare, there have been some associations between TMJ dysfunction and pulsatile tinnitus. This is likely due to muscle tension affecting blood flow in the region surrounding the temporomandibular joint. This is likely due to the migraine process (brain sensitivity) which causes the brain to pay more attention to internal sounds such as the sound of the blood flowing by the ear. This type of pulsatile tinnitus is treatable.

How Migraine, TMJ and Tinnitus Symptoms Are Linked

Migraine, TMJ and tinnitus share complex neural and inflammatory connections, with the trigeminal nerve playing a key role in each condition. These relationships reveal a multi-directional network where each condition can exacerbate the others through overlapping mechanisms.

Recent studies suggest that tinnitus—particularly when severe or fluctuating—may act as an atypical form of migraine, driven by central sensitization and abnormal sensory processing. This interconnected pathology accounts for the high rate of symptom overlap.

Statistical Overlap Between Migraine, TMJ and Tinnitus

• TMJ problems are 4x more likely in people with migraines [3].
• Up to 80% of patients with painful TMJ experience chronic headaches, with many also reporting tinnitus [2].
• Tinnitus is 8x more common in patients with TMJ problems [1].

These figures underscore how heightened nervous system sensitivity contributes to amplified pain and auditory disturbances across these conditions.

Neuroinflammation in Migraine, TMJ and Tinnitus

Inflammation is a key factor linking migraines, TMJ pain, and tinnitus. They are all linked to the same chemical messenger, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). When released, CGRP triggers blood vessel dilation and a cascade of inflammatory factors. These inflammatory factors then sensitize pain pathways and amplifying sensory disturbances.

When TMJ inflammation elevates CGRP levels in the trigeminal nerve, it not only intensifies jaw pain, it also amplifies tinnitus loudness. This explains why TMJ-related tinnitus often worsens during flare-ups of jaw pain or migraines.

CGRP is also involved in central sensitization, a process where the nervous system becomes rewired so that it is hyper-responsive to pain and sensory input. This makes the threshold for flare-ups of both TMJ pain and loud ear ringing much lower.

Clinical treatments targeting CGRP have been effective in reducing TMJ pain and migraine frequency. Further, some people who have Botox for migraines have experienced significant reductions in tinnitus symptoms [4].

Bruxism, TMJ and Tinnitus

Bruxism is a condition characterized by the repetitive grinding or clenching of teeth, often occurring during sleep (“sleep bruxism”). It can place excessive strain on the TMJ, leading to muscle tension, joint damage, and pain. Common symptoms of bruxism include:

• Jaw pain or soreness upon waking
• Teeth sensitivity or damage
• Headaches and muscle tension in the head and neck region
• Increased ear ringing due to jaw strain
• Referred pain to the middle ear

Bruxism is often linked to stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, which can further aggravate both TMJ dysfunction and tinnitus.

How Jaw Muscles Affect Temporomandibular Tinnitus

Bruxism can worsen TMJ disorders by overworking the jaw muscles and causing joint inflammation. This increased tension can irritate the nerves connected to the auditory system, intensifying tinnitus symptoms. Patients with bruxism often experience cycles where stress triggers teeth grinding, which in turn worsens both jaw pain and ear ringing.

Recent evidence shows that bruxism itself is caused by an increased output of the trigeminal nerve which can occur due to an atypical migraine phenomenon [5]. That same atypical migraine process can independently cause ear ringing to be louder.

Basic Treatments for Bruxism and Tinnitus

Managing bruxism can help reduce both TMJ pain and tinnitus severity. Common treatment approaches include:

• Night Guards – Custom mouthguards help protect teeth from grinding damage and reduce jaw strain.
• Stress Reduction – Mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and relaxation techniques can reduce bruxism frequency.
• Lifestyle Modifications – Reducing food triggers, improving sleep hygiene, and practicing jaw relaxation exercises can ease muscle tension.
• Physical Therapy – Manual therapy and jaw exercises can help restore normal muscle function and reduce strain on the TMJ.

Chronic bruxism can lead to long-term damage to the TMJ, further reinforcing these symptoms. Therefore, breaking the cycle of bruxism with these interventions is crucial for managing both tinnitus and TMJ pain.

How to Stop TMJ Ear Ringing

If you’re experiencing both tinnitus and TMJ pain, the best treatment approach is multimodal—combining different strategies to address jaw mechanics, neural irritation, and auditory processing dysfunction. No single intervention is sufficient on its own, but an integrated plan can provide significant relief.

This guide begins with conservative TMJ treatments, followed by jaw exercises, medical interventions, and when to see a specialist. We then transition into a broader tinnitus rehabilitation model, listing key interventions that address neurotransmitter stabilization, inflammation reduction, cognitive function, and sound processing.

DIY Treatment Options for TMJ Disorders

Do-it-yourself (DIY) treatment options for TMJ focus on reducing strain, alleviating pain, and restoring natural jaw function without invasive interventions. By doing these, you can mitigate any contribution TMJ pain is having on your tinnitus.

Intervention	Description
Soft Food Diet	Try soft, easy-to-chew foods. Avoid hard, crunchy, and chewy foods. Do this for two weeks to give your jaw a rest.
Correct Jaw Posture	Keep your lips together, teeth slightly apart, and tongue on the roof of the mouth (the “resting jaw position”). Avoid resting your chin on your hand.
Manage Oral Habits	Avoid clenching, chewing gum, biting nails, or chewing pen caps. If sleep bruxism is present, consider a night guard.
Heat and Cold Therapy	Heat therapy (10–15 minutes) relaxes muscles and improves circulation. Cold therapy (10 minutes) reduces inflammation and numbs acute pain.

Starting these DIY interventions can be a first step toward reducing TMJ pain and minimizing its impact on your tinnitus.

Jaw Exercises for TMJ and Tinnitus

Here are some jaw exercises for TMJ and tinnitus that can be done at home.

Jaw Exercise	Description
Resting Jaw Position	Encourages proper jaw alignment, prevents clenching, and promotes rest: Keep your lips together, teeth slightly apart, and tongue resting on the roof of your mouth (as if to make an “N” sound).
Controlled Opening and Closing	Strengthens jaw movement and reduces tension: Keep your tongue on the roof of your mouth while slowly opening and closing your jaw.
Goldfish Exercises	Reduces joint clicking and improves mobility: Place a finger on your TMJ and another on your chin, then partially open and close your mouth.
Resisted Jaw Movements	Builds muscle control and stability: Place your thumb under your chin, apply gentle resistance, and slowly open your mouth.

Consistently practicing these exercises can help retrain your jaw muscles, improve mobility, and reduce strain on the TMJ. For best results, perform them daily and combine them with other core tinnitus treatments.

Physical Therapy for TMJ and Tinnitus

Physical therapy can be very helpful in the management of concurrent TMJ and tinnitus, particularly for those with TMJ pain linked to muscle tension, joint dysfunction, and neuroinflammation. By addressing musculoskeletal issues, physical therapy helps reduce the muscle tension that is contributing to tinnitus loudness.

Here are some of the benefits of physical therapy for TMJ tinnitus:

• Reduces Muscle and Nerve Irritation – Less tension means less neural cross-talk with the auditory system.
• Improves Circulation – Helps relieve inflammation, which in turn reduces brain sensitivity.
• Enhances Postural Alignment – Correcting head and neck posture can prevent overstimulation of the trigeminocervical nerve endings.

What to Expect from Physical Therapy for TMJ Tinnitus

Intervention	Description
Comprehensive Evaluation	Assessment of jaw mobility, bite, and muscle tension. Identification of triggers that exacerbate tinnitus, such as jaw movements, clenching, or poor posture.
Soft Tissue Mobilization	Releases tension in the masseter, temporalis, and pterygoid muscles, reducing jaw stiffness and referred ear symptoms.
TM Joint Mobilization	Restores proper TMJ movement and reduces joint restrictions. Helps minimize clicking, popping, and pain while also addressing the neural irritation that can contribute to tinnitus.
Cervical Spine Adjustments	Addresses neck-related contributions to TMJ pain or dysfunction. Remember, the neck and jaw nerves are connected in the brainstem.
Exercise-Based Therapy	One-on-one instruction on jaw stabilization exercises, postural training, and stretching/relaxation techniques.
Neuromuscular Re-Education	Training proper jaw positioning and function to prevent overuse and reduce tinnitus impact. Biofeedback techniques to regulate muscle activation and prevent clenching habits.

Studies show that combining manual therapy, exercise, and patient education is significantly more effective than exercise alone in reducing both TMD pain. This, in turn, reduces brain sensitivity and therefore tinnitus severity.

Expected Timeline and Outcomes for PT for TMJ Tinnitus

Here is what you can expect when going to physical therapy for somatic tinnitus:

• Initial relief within 4–6 weeks, with gradual improvement over several months.
• Patients with movement-modulated tinnitus often experience faster improvement, while those with chronic inflammation or atypical migraine-driven tinnitus may require a longer rehabilitation period.

*Note: The best results occur when physical therapy is combined with multimodal tinnitus rehabilitation, including CBT, sound therapy, and pharmacological support.

Medical Interventions for TMJ Problems

When conservative treatments are not enough, medical interventions can help reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle tension associated with TMJ dysfunction.

Dental Appliances (Mouthguards and Splints): Custom-fitted dental devices can stabilize the jaw, protect teeth, and prevent excessive strain on the TMJ.

• Stabilization splints – Correct misalignment of the jaw joint (i.e., a “bad bite”), reducing uneven pressure and strain.
• Night guards – Prevent clenching and grinding damage by cushioning the teeth and limiting excessive jaw movement.

Medications: Targeted medications can help manage TMJ-related pain, inflammation, and muscle dysfunction.

• NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen) – Reduce pain and inflammation, helping to relieve jaw stiffness and tenderness.
• Muscle Relaxants – Alleviate jaw spasms and reduce tension in overactive muscles.
• Corticosteroid Injections – Provide fast-acting relief for severe TMJ inflammation and joint irritation.

Botox Injections: Botox therapy is a non-surgical option that helps manage TMJ symptoms by relaxing overactive muscles and reducing neural hypersensitivity.

• Relaxes the muscles of mastication – Eases bruxism and jaw tension in the eating muscles that contribute to TMJ pain.
• Decreases CGRP expression – This may reduce pain sensitivity and its associated amplification of tinnitus symptoms.

When to See a Professional For TMJ Tinnitus

If symptoms persist despite conservative care, it may be prudent to consult a specialist. Here are the specialists that are most appropriate to see for advanced TMJ and tinnitus care:

• Dentist or Orofacial Pain Specialist – For splints, bite realignment, and bruxism treatment.
• ENT Doctor – To diagnose any middle ear or inner ear problems, especially if ear pain is present.
• Neurologist or Pain Specialist – For nerve pain management and medication options.

The Tinnitus Rehabilitation Model – A Multimodal Approach

A comprehensive tinnitus treatment plan extends beyond TMJ management, targeting neural stabilization, inflammation reduction, and auditory system retraining.

It is designed to complement, not replace, TMJ treatment, and both approaches should be implemented simultaneously for optimal results.

Key Interventions in NeuroMed's Tinnitus Rehabilitation Program

• Prescription Medications – Certain medications may help regulate neurotransmitters and stabilize the atypical migraine process.
• Supportive Nutraceuticals – Natural compounds can help support nerve function, reduce inflammation, and optimize brain health.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – A front-line tinnitus intervention for averting distressing thoughts, the fight-or-flight response, or depression symptoms.
• Sound Therapy – Customized sound therapy helps the brain habituate to tinnitus.
• Lifestyle Medicine – Includes sleep optimization, nutrition therapy, and stress management techniques that are integrated into daily life.
• Mindfulness and Relaxation Strategies – Meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and breathing exercises reduce central nervous system hyperactivity.

The best way to treat tinnitus linked to TM joint problems is to start with conservative TMJ care, incorporate jaw exercises and medical interventions as needed, and do this parallel to a formal tinnitus rehabilitation program.

By addressing both the mechanical and neurological components, you can achieve significant symptom relief and long-term improvement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): TMJ and Tinnitus

• Does TMJ cause ringing in the ears? TMJ dysfunction can irritate nerves connected to the auditory system. This can make an existing tinnitus much louder and intrusive.
• Can TMJ cause tinnitus in one ear only? Yes, unilateral TMJ issues can result in worse tinnitus on the affected side. However, because the nerves cross over in the midbrain, one-sided TMJ pain can also cause tinnitus loudness on both sides.
• How can I stop popping and crackling noises in my ears? Standard TMJ interventions like jaw exercises, posture correction, and dental appliances may help alleviate these symptoms. The other condition that can cause this is eustachian tube dysfunction, so this should also be considered.
• How long does it take for TMJ treatment to stop ear ringing? The timeline varies when it comes to treating TMJ tinnitus, with some patients experiencing relief in weeks and others requiring several months of consistent treatment.

Conclusion: Finding Relief from TMJ and Tinnitus

TMJ-related tinnitus is not merely a mechanical issue but a complex neurological process involving atypical migraine, neurogenic inflammation, and central sensitization. The interplay between the trigeminal nerve, brainstem processing, and auditory system amplifies tinnitus symptoms, making a single-modality treatment approach insufficient.

A multimodal strategy is the most effective treatment model. This means combining TMJ-specific treatments—such as conservative care, physical therapy, and jaw exercises—with broader tinnitus rehabilitation techniques that stabilize the nervous system, reduce inflammation, and retrain auditory pathways away from the tinnitus sound. Addressing both the structural and neurological drivers ensures the best chance for lasting symptom relief.

If you suffer from tinnitus linked to a TMJ disorder, we’re here to help. Schedule a FREE CONSULTATION with a NeuroMed team member today to discuss your symptoms and explore a customized multimodal treatment plan designed to restore balance and improve your quality of life.

TMJ and Tinnitus References

[1]       K. Saczuk et al., “The Coexistence of Tinnitus and Temporomandibular Disorder: A Narrative Review on the Importance of an Interdisciplinary Approach,” J. Clin. Med., vol. 13, no. 23, p. 7346, Dec. 2024, doi: 10.3390/jcm13237346.

[2]       P. Yakkaphan, J. G. Smith, P. Chana, T. Renton, and G. Lambru, “Temporomandibular disorder and headache prevalence: A systematic review and meta-analysis,” Cephalalgia Rep., vol. 5, p. 25158163221097352, Jan. 2022, doi: 10.1177/25158163221097352.

[3]       P. Bizzarri et al., “Temporomandibular disorders in migraine and tension-type headache patients: a systematic review with meta-analysis,” J. Oral Facial Pain Headache, vol. 38, no. 2, pp. 11–24, Jun. 2024, doi: 10.22514/jofph.2024.011.

[4]       D. Ranoux and R. A. Levine, “Botulinum Toxin Can Abolish and/or Quiet Tinnitus Associated with Chronic Migraine: Serendipidous Observations,” Int. Tinnitus J., vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 133–136, Mar. 2022, doi: 10.5935/0946-5448.20210024.

[5]       A. Giovanni and A. Giorgia, “The neurophysiological basis of bruxism,” Heliyon, vol. 7, no. 7, p. e07477, Jul. 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07477.