Skip to main content

What exactly is tinnitus?

It’s estimated that about one in every five people is affected by tinnitus, which is a ringing or noise in the ears. But tinnitus isn’t a condition in itself; it’s actually the symptom of an underlying condition. Some of these underlying conditions could be hearing loss, injury to the ear, or some sort of circulatory disorder.

Another common cause if tinnitus is a dental injury or dental issue, whether it involves the jaw or the temporomandibular joint, better known as the TMJ. “Somatic tinnitus” is the term given to the version that is attributable to injuries to the head or neck area. Symptoms of somatic tinnitus may include noticeable fluctuations in sound volume, intermittency, headaches, memory loss or increased forgetfulness, and an increased likelihood of being depressed or sad.

Drs. Marks, Leder, Ghusson, Kudryk, Safin, and Mazlin will tell you tinnitus usually isn’t serious and is more common in older populations. For that reason, many people won’t even seek an answer to what’s causing it. But people can also experience more severe cases of tinnitus that can affect a person’s ability to complete everyday activities, which has a larger impact on their lives. For people facing these more severe cases of tinnitus, treatment may be necessary to increase their quality of life. It’s also worth noting that tinnitus seems to worsen with age, so while symptoms might not be a problem one year, they may be more significant and distracting the next.

If you have tinnitus that is caused by the misalignment of the TMJ or an injury to the mouth, that’s a condition that can be corrected by Drs. Marks, Leder, Ghusson, Kudryk, Safin, and Mazlin and our team at OK Tooth. We will work to relieve your symptoms by realigning the jaw or adjusting your bite with routine dental care. Sometimes we won’t even have to go this far, because an oral infection or gum infection may be causing your problem. We might also recommend other life changes, such as dietary adjustments and medication.

If you're experiencing tinnitus-like symptoms and have ruled out various other reasons for it, contact our New York, NY office today. Drs. Marks, Leder, Ghusson, Kudryk, Safin, and Mazlin and our team will carefully analyze your situation and put you on a treatment course so that you can kick the symptoms for good.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Bonding or Veneers: Which Is Best?

Bonding or Veneers: Which Is Best?

You’ve got a cracked tooth or too much space between your top two chompers — bonding and veneers can fix those problems. How do you choose between the two treatments? Keep reading to learn the differences and how to decide.
Does Everyone Need Their Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Does Everyone Need Their Wisdom Teeth Removed?

No — not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. But you might if your mouth doesn’t have room for this third set of molars or if problems develop as they grow in. Here’s how to tell whether yours need to come out.
What Is the Purpose of Wearing a Mouthguard?

What Is the Purpose of Wearing a Mouthguard?

You see pro athletes habitually chewing on their mouthguards and wonder if those little pieces of plastic really do any good. You might be surprised by the many benefits they offer — and not just for athletes.
How a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) Can Help You Sleep

How a Mandibular Advancement Device (MAD) Can Help You Sleep

Do you rattle the roof with your loud snoring and prevent your household from getting a good night’s rest? Or do you sleep next to someone who does? You need to get MAD — that is, a mandibular advancement device that stops snoring. Check it out here.