Ringing Ears is a Symptom You Need to See Your Oral Surgeon About
Posted on 8/3/2026 by South Valley Oral and Facial Surgery |
 That constant ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears can be incredibly frustrating. Most people think of an ear doctor, or audiologist, when they experience this. But did you know that ringing ears, also known as tinnitus, can sometimes be linked to problems in your jaw and mouth? As an oral surgeon, I want to explain this connection and why it's important to consider your oral health when dealing with this bothersome symptom.
The Jaw Joint and Your Ears
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects your jawbone to your skull. It's located right in front of your ear. Because of its proximity, issues with the TMJ can sometimes affect the inner ear and auditory system. This connection is complex, involving muscles, nerves, and ligaments all working together. When something goes wrong in the TMJ, it can disrupt this delicate balance.
How TMJ Problems Can Cause Ringing Ears
Several things can cause problems with the TMJ. These include teeth grinding (bruxism), clenching your jaw, arthritis in the joint, or even a past injury to the face or jaw. When these problems occur, they can lead to muscle spasms, inflammation, and pressure on the nerves surrounding the TMJ. This pressure can then radiate to the inner ear, causing that irritating ringing sensation.
Additionally, the muscles that control jaw movement are closely connected to the muscles in the neck and head. If your jaw is misaligned or your bite is off, it can lead to muscle imbalances that contribute to both TMJ problems and tinnitus.
What an Oral Surgeon Can Do
As an oral surgeon, I am trained to diagnose and manage disorders of the mouth, jaw, and face. If you're experiencing ringing ears and suspect it might be related to your jaw, a comprehensive examination is the first step. This exam may include assessing your bite, checking for tenderness in the TMJ and surrounding muscles, and possibly ordering imaging like X-rays or a CT scan to get a better look at the joint.
Comprehensive Oral Care
Sometimes, the solution involves addressing underlying oral care issues. For example, if teeth grinding is contributing to the problem, a custom-made night guard can help protect your teeth and reduce pressure on the TMJ. If your bite is misaligned, treatments may be necessary to correct it.
Restoration Dentistry and the TMJ
Restoration dentistry, which focuses on repairing and replacing damaged or missing teeth, can also play a role. A damaged bite can put stress on the TMJ. Correcting these issues through restoration dentistry may alleviate the strain on the jaw joint and reduce or eliminate the ringing ears.
When to Seek Help
If you are experiencing persistent ringing ears, especially if you also have jaw pain, headaches, or difficulty opening or closing your mouth, it's essential to seek professional evaluation. While not all cases of tinnitus are related to TMJ disorders, it's important to rule out this possibility. By addressing any underlying oral health issues, you may find relief from that frustrating ringing and improve your overall quality of life.
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