Ear Pain Due to TMJ Video

Not infrequently, a patient presents to the ENT clinic with complaints of ear pain convinced there must be an ear infection . However, on exam, the ear itself appears completely normal! What could be going on? Often, the ear pain is actually not because of an ear problem, but due to a disorder of the temporo-mandibular joint otherwise known as TMJ. The pain gets referred to the ear. This video demonstrates how the TMJ can cause ear pain . Treatment typically entails soft diet, ib…

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Jaw Movement Causing Tinnitus and/or Clogged Ear Sensation

Not uncommonly, a patient can present with complaints of tinnitus , clogged ears , and hearing loss influenced by jaw movement. Specifically, opening or clenching the mouth excessively makes the tinnitus and clogged ear sensation worse. Relaxing the jaw decreases these symptoms. For some ear symptoms, contraction of the middle ear muscles ( stapedius and tensor tympani ) may contribute to "muffling" of sounds. Inflammation of the jaw joint can lead to ear pain ... but some other…

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