What is the Temporomandibular Joint?

The temporomandibular joints are located on either side of your face and assist in movements like chewing and speaking. They are located just in front of your ears and sit right behind a major nerve in the face. Most people’s jaws are able to slip back and forth with no problem, but people with acute TMJ disorder may occasionally have difficulties with closing their mouths. On the other hand, chronic TMJ disorder is much more serious and can eventually cause permanent damage to the temporomandibular joints.

What are some symptoms of TMJ disorder?

Minor discomfort in the temporomandibular joints will usually go away on its own. However, some symptoms may require further evaluation to avoid issues in the future. These symptoms include:

How can TMJ disorder affect your hearing?

TMJ disorder occurs when the muscles around your temporomandibular joint become inflamed or irritated. Because the temporomandibular joint is located so close to the ear, inflammation in these muscles can block the Eustachian tubes and make it more difficult to hear. Without treatment, more severe hearing problems and ear damage may happen.

How to relieve symptoms of TMJ disorder

Most pain and discomfort from TMJ disorder can be managed on your own. Treatment options include applying cold/heat packs onto areas of pain, eating softer foods and taking pain relief medications. You can also look into wearing a mouthpiece while sleeping or getting dental work to correct your bite. If self-treatments do not work, you may have to consider getting a TMJ surgery.

How to get checked for TMJ disorder

A doctor or dentist can typically point out TMJ disorder during an examination. You can also turn to an audiologist if your hearing is affected. Hearing loss caused by TMJ disorder does not appear as a typical ear condition, so your audiologist can confirm that the problem is not coming from the ears. Schedule a free appointment with a professional from Miracle-Ear to find out what’s causing your hearing loss.