One Surprising TMD Symptom

Have you been experiencing ear discomfort and were surprised to learn that you don’t have an ear infection? When we experience ear discomfort, it is not uncommon to schedule a doctor’s appointment to rule out any form of infection. Many patients are surprised to learn that a flare-up of TMD can lead to ear pain and other ear-related issues. Curious to learn if your symptom is related to TMD? Continue reading to learn more.

TMD and Your Ears

If you suffer from TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder, you are most likely familiar with the common symptoms that you may experience during a flare-up. These might consist of headaches, clicking or popping in the jaw, facial discomfort, jaw tenderness, locking of the jaw, and more. There is another area of the face that may experience issues and is not as common as some of those previously mentioned — the ears. When patients experience ear discomfort, the first thought is usually that you have an ear infection. However, ear discomfort, ringing in the ear, difficulty hearing, and dizziness are also symptoms that can be related to TMD.

Infection or TMD?

Many patients who visit our office say they didn’t know for quite some time that they had TMD because the symptoms mimicked other conditions. Sometimes, the symptoms are so random that it doesn’t seem likely you could have TMD, a joint-related issue. Ear symptoms are no different. It can be difficult to tell the difference between an ear infection and a TMD flare-up, so we want to offer some assistance. Ear infections are primarily seen in children. If you are an adult and not prone to infections, although not impossible, it is unlikely you have an ear infection. The one exception would be if you were recently sick or are currently running a fever. We also recommend seeking immediate medical attention if you have any fluid or discharge coming from your ears.

If you have been experiencing issues with your ears and feel it may be related to TMD or you have any questions about your treatment, don’t hesitate to contact our office located in Auburn & Silverdale, WA. We are here to help!