The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the hinge connecting your lower jaw to your skull, located just in front of each ear. This small but powerful joint enables essential daily movements such as chewing, speaking, swallowing, and yawning (National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 2023).

When problems arise within the joint or surrounding muscles, they can lead to temporomandibular disorders(TMDs). These conditions may stem from multiple causes, such as:

Muscle tension or imbalance in the jaw, head, or neck

• Jaw misalignment
• Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism)
• Injury or trauma to the jaw or face
• Chronic stress or poor posture (Buescher, 2007)

How the TMJ Affects the Ears

The TMJ is located extremely close to the external ear canal and middle ear structures. Because of this close proximity, inflammation, tight muscles, or joint dysfunction in the TMJ can affect nearby nerves and tissues, leading to ear-related symptoms, even if there is no obvious jaw pain (American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 2024).

Common Ear-Related Symptoms of TMD:

• Clicking, popping, or cracking sounds when moving the jaw
• A sensation of pressure, fullness, or pain in one or both ears (Maciel et al., 2018; Tavares et al., 2023)
• Tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears) (Saldanha et al., 2012)
• Vertigo or dizziness
• Earaches without signs of ear infection

Other Common Symptoms of TMD:

In addition to ear symptoms, TMDs may also cause:

• Facial or jaw pain, especially near the cheeks or temples
• Headaches, often tension-type or migraine-like
• Pain or stiffness in the neck and shoulders (Tavares et al., 2023)
• Difficulty opening the mouth fully or jaw locking (Wright & North, 2009)

What to Do If You Have These Symptoms

Because ear symptoms can result from various conditions, it’s important to rule out inner-ear or neurological causes for your symptoms. If you are experiencing unexplained ear symptoms, especially when paired with jaw discomfort, it’s important to rule out other causes when considering a potential TMJ connection (Albuquerque et al., 2024; Maciel et al., 2018).

Recommended Steps:

• See an audiologist for a hearing assessment to rule out ear-related causes of your symptoms.
• Visit a dentist, preferably one with experience in TMD, for a detailed jaw and bite assessment, as well as a tailored treatment plan (American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 2024).

At-Home Strategies to Manage TMD Symptoms

In addition to professional care, several self-care techniques may help ease symptoms:

• Head and neck massage – to reduce muscle tension
• Internal jaw massage – often guided by a therapist or specialist
• Stress management – such as breathing exercises, yoga, or therapy
• Improved sleep hygiene – consistent bedtime, maintaining a good quality sleep environment
• Mindfulness and jaw awareness – avoid clenching or grinding, especially during stress (Sharma & Gupta, 2020)

Conclusion

TMD is often overlooked as a cause of ear-related symptoms, yet it can play a significant role in conditions like tinnitus, vertigo, or unexplained ear pain. Research shows the close anatomical relationship between the jaw and ear structures can allow TMJ dysfunction to significantly influence ear symptoms (Saldanha et al., 2012; Vielsmeier et al., 2011). If you or a loved one has been dealing with these issues without answers, consider having a hearing assessment to rule out hearing related causes, as the jaw may be the contributing to ear related problems.

Don’t ignore persistent ear or jaw discomfort, early assessment and intervention can help to understand your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

References

1. Albuquerque, D. M. H. de, Rodrigues, L. L. F. R., Duarte, M. R. O., Fernandes, C. A., Oliveira, E. N. de, & Guimarães, A. S. (2024). Subtypes of temporomandibular disorders in patients diagnosed with otalgia: Observational study. BrJP, 7, e20240013. doi:10.5935/2595-0118.20240013-en
2. American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery. (2024). Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ & TMD).
3. Buescher, J. J. (2007). Temporomandibular joint disorders. American Family Physician, 76(10), 1477–1482.
4. Effat, K. G. (2016). Otological symptoms and audiometric findings in patients with temporomandibular disorders: Costen’s syndrome revisited. The Journal of Laryngology and Otology, 130(12), 1137–1141. doi: 10.1017/S0022215116009300
5. Maciel, L. F. O., Landim, F. S., & Vasconcelos, B. C. (2018). Otological findings and other symptoms related to temporomandibular disorders in young people. British Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 56(8), 739–743. doi: 10.1016/j.bjoms.2018.08.005
6. National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. (2023). TMJ disorders.
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8. Sharma, S., & Gupta, D. (2020). Association of temporomandibular disorders with ear symptoms: A review. Journal of Dental Research and Review, 7(1), 16–22.
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10. Vielsmeier, V., Kleinjung, T., Strutz, J., Bürgers, R., Kreuzer, P. M., & Langguth, B. (2011). Tinnitus with temporomandibular joint disorders. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 145(5), 748–752. doi: 10.1177/0194599811413376
11. Wright, E. F., & North, S. L. (2009). Management and treatment of temporomandibular disorders: A clinical perspective. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 17(4), 247–254. doi: 10.1179/106698109791352184