If you’ve recently been to a concert or another noisy event, you probably experienced a steady ringing or buzzing noise in your ears for several hours afterward. However, if you consistently hear this sound and it’s affecting your quality of life, Chicago dentist Dr. Ira L. Shapira can recommend suitable tinnitus treatment options.
Tinnitus can vary in volume and frequency. If you regularly suffer from this condition, please call North Shore Sleep Dentistry at (847) 533-8313 today to begin exploring tinnitus treatment options. Dr. Shapira is pleased to see patients from Deerfield, Highland Park, Lake Forest, and other towns in the Chicago metro area.
What Is Tinnitus?
In many cases, tinnitus is caused by age-related hearing loss. However, this condition could also be the result of prolonged or sudden exposure to loud noise, or certain chronic health conditions. One of these chronic health conditions is dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
When the TMJ isn’t aligned properly, the bite forces become unbalanced. The ensuing pressure can lead to pain in multiple parts of the face and head, including the ear. Many TMD patients experience not only tinnitus but other debilitating symptoms such as chronic headaches and persistent neck pain.
Diagnosing Tinnitus
If you begin suffering from tinnitus and other symptoms of TMJ disorder, it’s important to visit an experienced professional who can assess your health and determine the cause of your condition. Typical elements of a tinnitus exam include:
- Full hearing test
- Comparing symptom severity to movements of the jaw, head, neck, and extremities
- MRI exam
- CT scan
To check the TMJ for signs of illness or injury, Dr. Shapira will listen to your jaw for clicking and popping sounds. Along with indicating a potential problem with the jaw joint, many tinnitus patients present with audible clicking when the jaw is moved or manipulated.
Tinnitus Treatment
If left untreated, tinnitus can make concentration more difficult and diminish hearing ability. Many patients also experience fatigue and mood swings due to the persistent pain and unpleasant noise.
To alleviate symptoms of tinnitus caused by dental health issues, Dr. Shapira might recommend TMJ treatments such as:
- A custom orthotic (oral appliance worn like a retainer) to reposition the jaw
- Relaxing stressed facial muscles with physical exercises, TENS therapy, and other relief measures
- Using a DNA appliance® to encourage the development of straight, healthy teeth at the cellular level
Simple at-home care can help augment other TMJ and tinnitus treatments. Regularly removing excess buildup of earwax, for example, can help manage your symptoms.
For more information about tinnitus treatment, please contact North Shore Sleep Dentistry or call (847) 533-8313 today to schedule an appointment for better dental and overall health. Dr. Shapira serves patients in and around Chicago, including Highland Park, Lake Forest, and more.
