A ringing ear is one TMJ symptom. The jaw joints are directly in front of the ears and both the ear and jaw joints have the same origin. When the lower jaw slips backward, it goes directly into the front of the ear. It's like having a marching band for next door neighbors. Every time someone bites or swallows, the teeth go together and this forces the lower jaw into the ear.

          Another cause for the ringing ear is the fact that when the jaw joint is inflamed and painful, all of the muscles around the joint tighten. There are several small muscles inside the ear that also tighten and this prevents the tiny bones inside the ear from moving. The result is that hearing is decreased and there is often associated tinnitus. You can think of the lower jaw as a three legged table. As the table legs are cut away the table top gets lower and lower. As the teeth wear away, the attached jaw joints get higher and higher and ram into the ears. This is especially true with old denture wearers who refuse to replace there worn out dentures. The teeth keep wearing down and the jaw joints continue to be forced higher and higher into the ears.

          Many patients with a ringing ear don't know that they have TMJ problems. When discovered and treated, many sufferers are relieved of most of their symptoms with a week or two. It is often quite amazing. The main problem is that patients seek the care of their physicians who are not trained in understanding dental problems. It's almost as though the mouth was not considered part of the body. Forunately, many of them are now becoming aware of this connection.

          If you are suffering with a ringing ear and would like to consult with Dr. Padolsky, make an appointment by calling 404-874-7428.