TMJ and Hearing Loss

by April
(Ohio)

I have read on other sites how TMJ can cause hearing loss which is mostly reversable if treated. Since your site is very detailed and does not contain this symptom I was wondering if TMJ does in fact cause hearing loss. I am 31 and have medium to severe hearing loss and was told I have TMJ by my audiologists. My symptoms are getting worse as is my hearing. Would like to know your opinion on if this may be a factor. Thank You

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TMJ and Hearing Loss

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by: Dr. Spainhower

Hello April,

I personally in 17 years of treating TMJ patients have not seen permanent hearing loss. I called another TMJ Dentist yesterday who is retireing from his TMJ practice and asked him about that. We both see a the common "fullness of ear" in many of our patients, but neither of us has seen a permanent loss of hearing.

The quickest way to check to see if your hearing loss is reversible that may be caused by TMJ treatment is by wearing an anterior splint. That is any type of appliance in the mouth that allows ONLY the front teeth to touch (for the front teeth to touch the splint ), and will NOT have any other back teeth touch.

But you want to make sure that the appliance is NOT distalizing (or pushing back) the lower jaw. This can make your jaw worse.

Do not wear this appliance more than a couple of days. You could experience supereruption.

You will only need to wear this a day or two to check for this. The NTI from your local dentist can do this. Or, use the modified night guard as I describe.

Please remember that my recommendation for the modified mouth guard is usefull to relieve TMJ symptoms, but not usually to CURE your TMD. You will need to explore all of the other possible factors found on this website and more to find the cure.

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