Can TMJ Disorder Cause Ear Pain?

Are you experiencing ear pain, and believe that it may be caused by TMJ?

This is a possibility; however, other conditions can cause ear pain as well. Let’s begin by defining what exactly TMJ is. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the mandible (the lower jaw) to the skull. It is located on both sides of the head, right in front of the ear. Individuals with TMJ disorders often experience a variety of symptoms, including jaw pain, difficulty chewing, aching facial pain, or ear pain.

If you visit our office regarding ear pain, our first plan of action is to speak with you regarding your health history. We want to ensure that your ear pain is not related to an ear infection or sinus issues, which can cause discomfort in the ear. We will also visually inspect your ear canal and eardrum to ensure there are no abnormalities, redness, or fluid present. Next, a diagnostic hearing test will be performed to confirm that your auditory system is working correctly and nothing unusual is found.

Once these initial exams are performed, and nothing concerning has been found, we will discuss the possibility of a joint disorder such as TMJ. If it is believed that you may have TMJ, patients will be referred to a specialist such as an ENT or a dentist, as audiologists do not diagnose TMJ.