---
title: The Link Between Tinnitus and TMJ Dysfunction
description: Discover how physical therapy can alleviate tinnitus caused by TMJ dysfunction through targeted exercises, manual therapy, and postural correction.
image: https://physicaltherapytmj.com/hubfs/Young%20woman%20with%20a%20hearing%20disorder%20or%20hearing%20loss%20cupping%20her%20hand%20behind%20her%20ear%20with%20her%20head%20turned%20aside%20to%20try%20and%20amplify%20and%20channel%20the%20available%20sound%20to%20her%20ear%20drum.jpeg
---

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# The Link Between Tinnitus and TMJ Dysfunction

- October 23, 2025

[TMJ Physical Therapy](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/blog/author/tmj-physical-therapy)

**Understanding the Link Between Tinnitus and TMJ Dysfunction: How Physical Therapy Can Help**

Tinnitus, commonly described as a ringing or buzzing in the ears, affects millions of people worldwide. While it’s often associated with hearing loss or exposure to loud noise, one lesser-known cause of tinnitus is **temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction**. TMJ dysfunction affects the joint that connects the jawbone to the skull and can lead to a variety of symptoms, including jaw pain, headaches, and in some cases—tinnitus.

### How TMJ Dysfunction Triggers Tinnitus

The temporomandibular joint is located very close to the ear canal and shares nerve pathways and muscle structures with the auditory system. When this joint is misaligned or under stress—due to grinding teeth, jaw clenching, poor posture, or injury—it can irritate the surrounding nerves and muscles. This irritation can contribute to auditory disturbances like tinnitus.

In a systematic review performed by Skog and colleagues, it was determined that patients with tinnitus AND TMD symptoms had a likelihood as high as 70%, while the likelihood of just tinnitus was as high as 25%.  How can we interpret this data?  Well, we can suspect that TMD increases the likelihood of developing tinnitus.  Take a look at the full study here: [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30126027/](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30126027/).   

Mottaghi and colleagues supported this idea with another review in 2019: [Is there a higher prevalence of tinnitus in patients with temporomandibular disorders? A systematic review and meta-analysis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30125964/)

Some researchers believe that abnormal muscle tension or joint dysfunction can affect the way sound is processed by the brain. In some cases, swelling in the TMJ can have an impact on swelling of the inner ear, dependent on a patient's individual anatomy. Other researchers suspect that tinnitus can be the result of an increase in tension in the ligaments that have a relationship with both the inner ear and the TMJ.

For patients who experience both TMJ issues and tinnitus, treating the jaw dysfunction often leads to improvement in ear-related symptoms.

### The Role of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing TMJ dysfunction and its related symptoms, including tinnitus. A trained physical therapist can assess the jaw’s alignment, muscle tone, and movement patterns to identify the root cause of dysfunction.

Here are several ways physical therapy can help:

#### 1. **Manual Therapy**

Physical therapists use hands-on techniques to release tight muscles and mobilize the TMJ and surrounding cervical spine. This helps reduce tension and improve joint mobility, which can alleviate both jaw pain and tinnitus symptoms.

#### 2. **Postural Correction**

Poor posture, especially forward head posture, is a common contributor to TMJ dysfunction. Physical therapy includes exercises and education to improve posture, which can relieve stress on the jaw and neck and help restore normal function.

#### 3. **Targeted Exercises**

Specific jaw and neck exercises are designed to strengthen weak muscles, reduce strain, and enhance coordination of jaw movement. These exercises can help restore normal jaw mechanics and decrease the intensity or frequency of tinnitus.

#### 4. **Relaxation Techniques**

Stress and anxiety often exacerbate both TMJ dysfunction and tinnitus. Physical therapists may incorporate relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and stress management strategies to reduce clenching and grinding, which are major contributors to TMJ issues.

### A Holistic Approach

Physical therapy offers a non-invasive, medication-free option for managing tinnitus related to TMJ dysfunction. It addresses the root cause rather than just masking the symptoms. Many patients experience not only relief from tinnitus but also improved jaw function, reduced pain, and better quality of life.

If you suffer from tinnitus and suspect it may be linked to jaw discomfort or dysfunction, consider consulting a physical therapist who specializes in TMJ disorders. With the right approach, physical therapy can be a powerful tool in reducing or even eliminating tinnitus symptoms.

 Blog Post

## Related Articles

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[![](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/hubfs/Woman%20massaging%20her%20cheek%20against%20white%20background.jpeg)](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/blog/tmd-physical-therapy)

[TMJ pain](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/blog/tag/tmj-pain), [TMJ Disorder](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/blog/tag/tmj-disorder), [Jaw Pain](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/blog/tag/jaw-pain), [Physical Therapy for TMJ](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/blog/tag/physical-therapy-for-tmj), [clicking jaw](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/blog/tag/clicking-jaw)

### [Understanding TMJ Dysfunction and How Physical Therapy Can Help](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/blog/tmd-physical-therapy)

 June 17, 2025

 Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction, commonly referred to as TMD, is a condition that affects the joints and...

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[tmj physical therapy](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/blog/tag/tmj-physical-therapy), [physical therapy for TMJ near me](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/blog/tag/physical-therapy-for-tmj-near-me), [jaw pain physical therapy](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/blog/tag/jaw-pain-physical-therapy), [TMJ Physical Therapy Specialists near me](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/blog/tag/tmj-physical-therapy-specialists-near-me)

### [Can Physical Therapy Help with TMJ Symptoms?](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/blog/physical-therapy-help-tmj-symptoms)

 September 16, 2025

 If you’ve been struggling with jaw pain, clicking or popping when you chew, or tightness in your neck and face, you...

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[TMJ pain](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/blog/tag/tmj-pain), [Jaw Pain](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/blog/tag/jaw-pain), [jaw pain after wearing night guard](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/blog/tag/jaw-pain-after-wearing-night-guard), [jaw pain with bite guard](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/blog/tag/jaw-pain-with-bite-guard)

### [Jaw Pain After Using a Night Guard? Physical Therapy May Be the Answer](https://physicaltherapytmj.com/blog/jaw-pain-guard-physical-therapy)

 July 17, 2025

 Night guards are commonly recommended to protect the teeth from grinding or clenching (bruxism), especially in people...

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