Tinnitus is something many people in Missouri deal with—a constant ringing, humming, or buzzing sound that seems to come from nowhere. What’s surprising to many is that it’s often connected to issues with the jaw, such as temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD). Because tinnitus and TMD can show up in different ways for each person, understanding the link between them is the first step toward relief.

At Raman Center for TMJ & Sleep, we use advanced physiologic neuromuscular dentistry (PNMD) in Kansas City to uncover how the jaw, muscles, and nerves work together and how imbalances can affect hearing and comfort. Our goal is to help patients across Missouri find lasting relief from jaw-related tension and the frustrating sounds of tinnitus. We know how stressful and exhausting these symptoms can be—especially when they interfere with work, rest, or daily life. That’s why we’ve put together a simple guide to answer common questions and help you better understand your options for relief.

What is Tinnitus?

Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, or even hissing sounds that seem to come from within the ears. For some people, the noise is faint and occasional; for others, it can be constant and distracting.

Although tinnitus is fairly common, many people aren’t sure why it happens or what’s causing it. It’s often explained as nerve damage that can’t be fixed—but that isn’t always the full story.

Here are just a few of the symptoms associated with tinnitus:

  • Anxiety
  • Fatigue
  • Stress
  • Concentration issues
  • Memory problems
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Irritability
  • And more

What is TMD?

TMD, or temporomandibular dysfunction, describes poor function of the jaw and often requires focused treatment to restore balance and comfort. The part of the jaw most affected by TMD—the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ—plays a vital role in everyday actions like chewing and swallowing. It’s also connected to many other systems throughout the body, which is why TMJ problems can lead to symptoms beyond the jaw itself.

TMD occurs when the lower jaw (mandible) is not properly aligned with the upper jaw (maxilla), which is part of the skull. This imbalance forces the jaw muscles to work harder to bring the teeth together, leading to fatigue, soreness, and sometimes even chronic pain. Over time, this strain can place stress on the TMJ, causing stretching or tearing of the ligaments that hold the joint’s disc in place. The result is often clicking, locking, or aching in the joint that may worsen without appropriate treatment. Because the TMJ lies close to important nerves and other joints, dysfunction here can influence comfort and movement throughout the body.

How Does TMD Cause Tinnitus?

There are several ways that tinnitus can result from TMD. The same trigeminal nerve that controls the jaw muscles also innervates the tiny muscles that regulate eardrum tightness, called the tensor tympani. When the jaw muscles become overactive due to poor alignment, this tiny ear muscle can also become tense, increasing eardrum pressure and leading to sensations like ringing, hissing, or even ear congestion.

The back part of the disc within the TMJ is connected to a small ligament known as Pinto’s ligament, or the discomalleolar ligament. This ligament runs through a narrow passage behind the TMJ socket to attach to a tiny bone in the middle ear called the malleus. When the jaw joint disc is displaced, it can pull on this ligament, creating strain that may contribute to tinnitus and pain in the ear that doesn’t stem from an infection.

Another possible source of tinnitus is referred pain, similar to a trigger point. The temporal tendon that connects the temporalis muscle to the mandible can become inflamed if the jaw is misaligned. This inflammation not only causes discomfort around the jaw and temple but can also create sensations that radiate toward the ear and even affect balance, leading to episodes of vertigo in some patients.

Find Tinnitus Treatment in Kansas City

If you’re experiencing these symptoms and need a personalized plan for lasting comfort, Dr. Raman’s office is here for you. We work closely with patients across Missouri to uncover the root causes of TMD and related conditions, using advanced care that restores harmony, balance, and overall well-being.

Through physiologic neuromuscular dentistry and TMD therapy, many patients have found improvement in more than just jaw pain—relief from sleep apnea, better posture, and reduced chronic aches and fatigue. These approaches may be the missing link to regaining your quality of life.

To learn more or schedule a consultation to see if you’re a good candidate, call our Kansas City office at (816) 436-4422. Dr. Raman and our caring staff are ready to guide you toward lasting comfort and better health.