The Hyperacusis TMJ Connection

For people who have hyperacusis, TMJ could be just another problem.  TMJ might, in fact, be one of the reasons for hyperacusis.  It is becoming more well-known as more is learned about it. 

For many years, TMJ was a considered only one more complaint of chronic pain sufferers.  These people were not taken seriously.  Causes were thought to be a bad bite pattern, orthodontic appliances such as braces not properly fitted, jaw clicking, or gum chewing.

Only after careful study did experts discover that it was not just myofacial pain, but could also by from a dislocated jaw, whiplash, or a degenerative joint disease such as arthritis in the jaw.  It can also be caused by grinding or clenching the teeth, by stress, or by dislocation of the soft cushion in the ball-and-socket joint of the jaw. 

It has been shown that when TMJ is resolved, hyperacusis often disappears along with it.  This could be because there is a muscle which connects the collar bone on both sides.  It goes to the back of the ear.  When it gets tight, it can pull on the inner ear.  This may have an effect on ear noises.  When a person has TMJ, this muscle may get tight.

If TMJ can be headed off before it becomes a major problem, hyperacusis may not follow.  Or, treatment of already advanced TMJ will probably help the situation of hyperacusis.  There are many kinds of self-care available for those who have mild to moderate TMJ.  Hot or cold packs can be used.  If one avoids extreme movements of the jaw, it will go along way toward letting the TMJ resolve itself.  There are some exercises that involve stretching the jaw that have been known to work.

Doctors have some non-surgical methods for treating TMJ and thus, hopefully, avoiding or eliminating hyperacusis.  Doctors also may use heat and cold.   They can recommend jaw exercises or multivitamins.  They go farther though.  They can inject local anesthetic into certain muscle points.  They may prescribe muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory drugs.  They may give cortisone injections.  Neural stimulation is also an option.  And, biofeedback or acupuncture can be arranged.  Doctors may also have surgical methods to deal with TMJ.  Any method for dealing with TMJ will most likely be a boon to hyperacusis treatment.

Understanding TMJ is important to those who suffer from it and from hyperacusis.  The ear noises of hyperacusis make it difficult for a person to function.  It may even be hard for them to tolerate the sound of their own voices.  If treating TMJ can make that go away, then it should be considered.