Tinnitus Sucks!

Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) is a condition of the jaw that  is often characterized by

clicking or popping noises, as well as soreness & stiffness when opening and closing the mouth. It is estimated that close to half of the patients who have TMJ disorder list ringing in their ears as one of their symptoms.

TMJ and tinnitus often occurs with nausea, vomiting & hearing loss. Tinnitus is sometimes the only symptom of TMJ disorder, or it can occur along with other symptoms such as: jaw and neck pain, clicking sounds, teeth grinding or clenching, headache and shoulder pain.

Where is the Temporomandibular Joint?

Very simply, it is the jaw joint. You will find the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) where the jawbone meets the temple. It is very close to the ear. If the joint is not working properly it can lead to problems like TMJ and tinnitus.

Research

Research has shown that ear and sinus symptoms can be related to a TMJoint that is not functioning correctly and that there is a direct blood and nerve flow from the ears to the TMJ.  Headaches, fatigue and tension in the jaw muscles have been found to be higher in tinnitus patients and approximately one third of patients report that jaw movement influences their tinnitus.

TMJ and tinnitus can be difficult to deal with but there are treatments that help. My tinnitus was caused by TMJ disorder and I was able to effectively stop the ringing in my ears… if you want to read my tinnitus story click here.

Many people prefer natural tinnitus treatments over traditional medicine since it is less expensive and less invasive. It is important to remember first that it is a symptom, not a disease. Tinnitus may also be symptomatic of a more serious disorder. Therefore natural treatment for tinnitus will depend on the underlying cause. There are many natural things that can be done to minimize the bothersome affects.

Natural Tinnitus Treatment Options

• Vitamin B12 deficiency has been associated with tinnitus in some studies. Liver, clams, trout, salmon, breakfast cereals, and other foods are high in B12. Vitamin B12 is available in supplement form (usually a pill that you put underneath your tongue), in an injection at the doctor’s office, and also in a newer gel formulation that is delivered in your nose.
• Herbs and supplements: Ginkgo Biloba has been effective for many patients, as well as Golden Seal, Niacin, and Zinc.
• Maskers – these are small electronic devices that use sound to make the sounds/ringing/roaring/etc less noticeable. While they do not make the ringing in your ears go away, they can make it seem softer.
• Hearing aids – hearing loss is a very common cause of tinnitus. The use of a hearing aid can allow the person to better hear the sounds around them and take focus away from the unwanted sounds.
• Relaxation techniques – some of these include doing yoga, practicing meditation, and getting hypnosis or biofeedback. Biofeedback for tinnitus can help relieve stress patterns that may worsen the perception of tinnitus.
• Protect hearing from getting worse by avoiding loud noises and wearing protection.
• Dental treatment – jaw joint disorders, such as TMJ disorder may make tinnitus worse. Non-invasive natural treatments that alleviate jaw problems may help, though it is very important to stick with conservative therapies (ie: no surgery or treatments that permanently change the bite).
• Retraining therapy – a combination of counseling and maskers may help you learn how to better cope. Maskers can make the tinnitus less noticeable, and you can learn to stop thinking about the tinnitus (which can make it worse). This type of treatment can take time to work.
• Counseling – Depression is common. Joining a support group or talking with a counselor can be helpful. Cognitive behavioral therapy can also be an  effective natural tinnitus treatment.
• Homeopathic treatments are a type of natural tinnitus treatment. Some patients have recommended kali iodatum, salicylic acidum, carbonium sulphuratum which are homeopathic remedies that can be found at your local natural foods store.
• Diet changes – avoidance of caffeine, nicotine, and salt have helped some patients.

What if Natural Tinnitus Treatment Isn’t Helpful (or you need quicker results)?

I understand… let’s face it… Tinnitus SUCKS!

If natural tinnitus treatment like the above is not helpful, or you would like an easy treatment plan that is guaranteed to work, you may want to consider this step-by-step treatment plan that has been clinically proven for many sufferers. It helped me a lot and my tinnitus is gone now! I chose the plan myself because I do not have health insurance and don’t like taking medications… The natural tinnitus treatment in the guide was much cheaper than even visiting my internist, so I definitely felt it was a good investment.