How do I know if my ear pain is from TMJ?

An aching ear is a common symptom for people with a TMJ disorder. Because the TMJ is near the auditory canal, pain and inflammation in this joint can affect the ear. A ringing sound in the ear, also known as tinnitus, is often a part of TMJ ear pain.

How do I get rid of ear pain from TMJ?

We also recommend prescription-strength anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen around-the-clock for about a week to reduce the inflammation in that area. These measures should help resolve the TMJ flare. Also helpful is the use of a mouthguard or bite plate, especially during sleep.

Can TMJ cause ear pain and fullness?

Problems with your jaw can cause a variety of symptoms which you might not think have anything to do with TMJ. Ear fullness is one of these symptoms. The eustachian tubes that allow fluids to drain from your ears to your throat can be impacted by TMJ.

How does TMJ affect the ear?

The TMJ is located adjacent to the ear, so swelling and inflammation of the jaw joint often directly affects the ears. The inflammation can cause blocked Eustachian tubes, which can lead to plugged ears, a painful feeling in the ears, or even hearing loss.

How long does ear pain from TMJ last?

Acute TMJ symptoms and signs may last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks and then disappear after the injury or cause of discomfort has resolved. For a chronic TMJ condition, the symptoms can be ongoing with episodes of sharp and/or dull pain that occur over an extended period of time (months to years).

Can TMJ affect the inner ear?

Vertigo/TMJ connection: When inflamed, your jaw joints can reach your ears, located behind and above your jaw joints and your inner ears. The inner ear contains the sensors telling your brain about your body’s position and movement.

How long does TMJ ear pain last?

TMJ flare-ups can last from a couple of hours to several days. Untreated cases of TMJ disorder can become chronic and debilitating. The length of time that TMJ flare-ups last depends on the person. Each case is different and is determined by the underlying cause and if any treatment is being utilized.

Can TMJ pain radiate to teeth?

This is known as referred pain, and in some cases, the radiated pain is severe enough that you may not think the pain is not coming from the TMJ. Some pain radiates upward, which may cause pain in the head, ear, eyes, etc. However, when the pain radiates downward, it can cause pain near your teeth.

Can TMJ make your ear feel clogged?

Since the TM joint resides adjacent to the ears, it’s common to experience many TMJ symptoms in the ears. Patients can experience ear pain or clogged ears that they might pass off as an ear infection or allergies but is actually from TMD. TMD can also cause tinnitus (ringing in the ears from nerve irritation).