Tinnitus is an extremely frustrating condition often associated with ringing in the ears, although no source of the sound exists. When suffering from tinnitus, the sound can be so distracting that it takes away from your quality of life. While there are many causes that can be behind tinnitus, the despair that results can affect patients by resulting in depression, anxiety, and stress.
As previously noted, tinnitus can be caused by a variety of factors. Some of these include head trauma, medication reactions, blood vessel disorders, ear wax build up, tumors, and ear wax build up. Additionally, temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMD, could also be the culprit. TMD - like tinnitus - is extremely frustrating to live with because it causes obnoxious symptoms, including headaches, jaw pain, and clicking and popping of the jaw.
If you are experiencing these symptoms along with tinnitus, you may have TMD, and your risk of developing depression and anxiety may be increased.
Brazilian researchers recently examined the relationship between tinnitus and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety, and they published their findings in Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery. These researchers examined 68 people who suffered from tinnitus along with 46 participants without tinnitus.
Each participant was put through hearing and psychological testing, and it was found that those that suffered from tinnitus were significantly more likely to be living with anxiety and depression when compared to the people who were able to enjoy normal hearing.
The takeaway from this study is that if you suffer from tinnitus as a result of your TMD, it is important that you seek out treatment for the condition. There are a variety of options out there, including procedures that can be completed by an oral surgeon. Start with your general dentist, and if they feel like a consult with an oral surgeon is in your best interest, call our office to set up an appointment.