TMJ and its Relationship to Ear Problems and Sinus Symptoms

Many of my TMJ patients also complain of ear problems and sinus symptoms. Is there a relationship between these painful and uncomfortable conditions and TMJ dysfunction? Let’s start with ears.

Ear Problems & TMJ

The experience of ear symptoms in patients with TMJ is very predictable due to a number of factors. Most importantly during growth and development the structures of the ear, the TM Joint and the jaw muscles originate from similar cells and as a result share nerve pathways that can influence muscle tone and performance. For instance, the muscle that determines the size of the Eustachian tube (influences ear pressure) is directly influenced by the same nerve that serves the jaw muscles and TM Joint. As a result, a TMJ problem can lead to changes in the way the Eustachian tube effects the ear, at times leading to symptoms of ear pressure, fullness, clogging, pain and even ringing.

In addition, the tension across the tympanic membrane and the position of the malleus bone can also be altered in patients with TMJ. As a result ear symptoms can emerge and linger. Ringing ears or tinnitus is only occasionally related to TMJ problems. A relationship may exist when the tinnitus changes during jaw movements and or eating.  If the tinnitus (pitch and intensity) does not change as a result of jaw function and remains constant on a daily basis it is unlikely that TMJ therapy can help.

Sinus Symptoms & TMJ

With regard to sinus symptoms it is common for patients with TMJ to complain of pain and pressure in their sinuses, despite the fact that there is no sinus disease, infection, or inflammation. The reason is due to mechanisms of referral, where the site of the symptom is not the origin of the symptom. Jaw muscles in particular can refer pain to the sinus region often making a diagnosis difficult. Muscles that are tight, inflamed, and fatigued due to overuse behaviors and sleep bruxism commonly lead to sinus symptoms. As a result TMJ therapy that reduces muscle problems often leads to the relief of the reported sinus symptoms. Some common treatments include jaw exercises; jaw muscle conditioning, massage, bite plates, and injection/needling therapy that relax tense overworked muscles.

The bottom line is that if a patient seeks care with ear and or sinus symptoms that have no apparent relationship to disease, injury or illness, then there is a good chance that an underlying TMJ problem may be responsible.

Dr. Donald Tanenbaum is a specialist with offices in New York City and Long Island, NY. He is uniquely qualified to diagnose and treat facial pain associated with jaw problems, TMJ, referred pain, nerve pain, and migraines. Find out more at www.tanenbaumtmj.com.