Cymy Sue
12-05-2002, 09:19 AM
Some of you may be aware of this information, but from most of the posts I read, it appears most of us have been kept in the dark about the TMJD/EAR connection.
I saw my Dentist Tuesday. He had been doing research to decide if a splint would be appropriate therapy for me. (multiple surgeries, no disc, nerve damage, scar tissue, etc.) I had told him a while back that the Tinnitus was the one problem that I could not find any relief for. Also, that I could not get an ENT to confirm the connection or help me.
(For me now, a soft plastic splint has been recommended by a group of Dr's who are doing research on long term TMJD. He was told to treat my joints as if they were severely arthritic and/or rheumatoid and hopefully this would cause no further damage, but help with relaxing the muscles.)
He also told me that he had recently attended a conference where a discussion or Re-disccussion of a small ligament (discovered by a Dr. Pinto in 1962) that connects the Tmj area to the timpanic or ear area, totally explains the tinnitus and ear problems we have.
I decided to try & find the papers on "Pinto's Ligament." I could not find that but I did find some information that made me sick and so angry.
Unless, we have been going to Ent's, Oral Surgeons and others of the Medical Community who can not read, they have always known of this connection. I am excusing Dentist, because I'm not sure how much study they are required to do on otology and they have just recently had TMJS & TMJD dumped on them, because nobody else wants us. (My Dentist is trying to learn all he can to be able to help.)
Anyway, to find what I was looking for , I had to search "petrotympanic fissure". You will find an incredible amount of info with this. This search led me to "otomandibular syndrome". Not as much information, but some stuff you should read to understand your symtoms.
I am kind of new here, so if this information has been on the board before, I apologize. If you have never seen it, get ready to be astounded that our Dr's could have explained all of this to us, since the info starts with Gray's Anatomy, date 1918.
There is information by Dr. Gelb (no date)on the relationship of tinnitus to craniomandibular disorders.
Dr. Costen, date 1930, Dr. Arlen, date 1970. Dr. Eckerdol, date 1991. These are just a few. There is much more. These are all research findings published for public view on the web.
It appears that we could have at least been told what to expect and could have been treated with a little more courtesy and respect regarding our symtoms. Instead, we have been dismissed, labeled crazy and treated "worse than dirt."
I hope this information is helpful,
Cymy Sue
[This message has been edited by Cymy Sue (edited 12-05-2002).]
I saw my Dentist Tuesday. He had been doing research to decide if a splint would be appropriate therapy for me. (multiple surgeries, no disc, nerve damage, scar tissue, etc.) I had told him a while back that the Tinnitus was the one problem that I could not find any relief for. Also, that I could not get an ENT to confirm the connection or help me.
(For me now, a soft plastic splint has been recommended by a group of Dr's who are doing research on long term TMJD. He was told to treat my joints as if they were severely arthritic and/or rheumatoid and hopefully this would cause no further damage, but help with relaxing the muscles.)
He also told me that he had recently attended a conference where a discussion or Re-disccussion of a small ligament (discovered by a Dr. Pinto in 1962) that connects the Tmj area to the timpanic or ear area, totally explains the tinnitus and ear problems we have.
I decided to try & find the papers on "Pinto's Ligament." I could not find that but I did find some information that made me sick and so angry.
Unless, we have been going to Ent's, Oral Surgeons and others of the Medical Community who can not read, they have always known of this connection. I am excusing Dentist, because I'm not sure how much study they are required to do on otology and they have just recently had TMJS & TMJD dumped on them, because nobody else wants us. (My Dentist is trying to learn all he can to be able to help.)
Anyway, to find what I was looking for , I had to search "petrotympanic fissure". You will find an incredible amount of info with this. This search led me to "otomandibular syndrome". Not as much information, but some stuff you should read to understand your symtoms.
I am kind of new here, so if this information has been on the board before, I apologize. If you have never seen it, get ready to be astounded that our Dr's could have explained all of this to us, since the info starts with Gray's Anatomy, date 1918.
There is information by Dr. Gelb (no date)on the relationship of tinnitus to craniomandibular disorders.
Dr. Costen, date 1930, Dr. Arlen, date 1970. Dr. Eckerdol, date 1991. These are just a few. There is much more. These are all research findings published for public view on the web.
It appears that we could have at least been told what to expect and could have been treated with a little more courtesy and respect regarding our symtoms. Instead, we have been dismissed, labeled crazy and treated "worse than dirt."
I hope this information is helpful,
Cymy Sue
[This message has been edited by Cymy Sue (edited 12-05-2002).]
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crystalll
12-05-2002, 03:11 PM
Hi Cymy Sue,
It's interesting isn't it. Thanks for sharing all the info. The research and studies have been done, but some doctors still refuse to put it into practice.
It's funny, my regular physician was able to see the connection between the inner ear and TMJ dysfunction when two ENT's, a neurologist, and an oral surgeon couldn't!
It's just common sense.
Crystal
It's interesting isn't it. Thanks for sharing all the info. The research and studies have been done, but some doctors still refuse to put it into practice.
It's funny, my regular physician was able to see the connection between the inner ear and TMJ dysfunction when two ENT's, a neurologist, and an oral surgeon couldn't!
It's just common sense.
Crystal
GenDen
12-05-2002, 08:30 PM
Sue,
Thanks so much for sharing your information. It appears that we may have to be the ones to teach the medical community. Also, I have learned so much here that has helped me. The help we give each other is a powerful force.
Thanks so much for sharing your information. It appears that we may have to be the ones to teach the medical community. Also, I have learned so much here that has helped me. The help we give each other is a powerful force.
lori j
12-06-2002, 05:00 AM
There used to be a tmj site that explained the tmj & ear connection quite well, but the site is gone now. wish i had copied & printed exactly what it said, sounds like you found similar information. isn't there a nerve or something that crosses the same path as the eustacion (sp?) tube area & the jaw. i think that is what i read, but can't remember exactly, but remember feeling great satisfaction in knowing that my ear problems were not imaginary!!
MichaelV
12-10-2002, 07:23 PM
Indeed, I wrote and posted a piece about this very aspect of cranial anatomy a while back. The connection is absolute.
fibrine
12-10-2002, 08:01 PM
Hi
I've seen 3 ENTs in Paris and only the last one has told me there could be a connection between tinnitus and TMJD. He said more than 50% of people suffering of TMJD when asked complained also of tinnitus and that was evidence enough for him that there was a link.
All the other ENTs kept on going on about inner ear disorder and hearing loss witch I don't have. My audio test were fine so they told me I probably had earing loss in the highest range of earing (above 8 000 hertz, which woudn't show on hearing test as they go in France from 2 000 hertz to 8 000 hertz but human can hear up to 20 000 hertz) I wish I could find a way of testing my hearing above 8 0000 hertz just to check on that theory that always link Tinnitus to hearing loss.
Fibrine
I've seen 3 ENTs in Paris and only the last one has told me there could be a connection between tinnitus and TMJD. He said more than 50% of people suffering of TMJD when asked complained also of tinnitus and that was evidence enough for him that there was a link.
All the other ENTs kept on going on about inner ear disorder and hearing loss witch I don't have. My audio test were fine so they told me I probably had earing loss in the highest range of earing (above 8 000 hertz, which woudn't show on hearing test as they go in France from 2 000 hertz to 8 000 hertz but human can hear up to 20 000 hertz) I wish I could find a way of testing my hearing above 8 0000 hertz just to check on that theory that always link Tinnitus to hearing loss.
Fibrine
thisstarr
01-10-2003, 07:39 AM
HI,
Is there anything that I can do or take to help with the ear pain?
Thanks,
Starr
Is there anything that I can do or take to help with the ear pain?
Thanks,
Starr
GenDen
01-10-2003, 05:13 PM
For me, my ear pain stopped when my TMJ specialist, with a repositioning splint, got my jaw in the correct position.
thisstarr
01-13-2003, 04:59 AM
Hi,
Is your splint you wore go on the top or bottom of your teeth? Did you wear your splint 24-7?
Thanks,
Starr
Is your splint you wore go on the top or bottom of your teeth? Did you wear your splint 24-7?
Thanks,
Starr
Cymy Sue
01-13-2003, 05:28 AM
Hi Starr,
Even though your question was to Gen Den, I thought you might benefit from several who have worn or are wearing Repositional Splints.
The splint that I'm wearing now is worn on the bottom.
It's called a "Posterior Muscle Repositioning Splint."
Right now, I'm supposed to wear it 24/7, except when eating. My Dentist says later, when the muscles have relaxed & repositioned, I can wear it juat at night.
It's hard plastic and very thin. I've never had one like it. Marlene made a brief post that she had worn one. I'm not sure if she still usues it. I think she does. She did say she knew that it had helped her tremedously.
Also, even though it's hard plastic, you can make indentions in it with your teeth. My Dentist says that this will show him if I'm grinding, clenching, or "eating on it". At my 2 week check, he said I was not doing anything in my sleep. It had no indentions or grinding marks.
He says that this is what is needed for severely damaged joints, such as no disc, arthritis, and damage from surgical procedures.
The benefits that I have seen in 3 weeks are, headaches almost gone, I have a wider opening, the burning pain is better, ( muscles are not squeezing nerves so much) and I can talk much better.
I hope this helps,
Cymy Sue
[This message has been edited by Cymy Sue (edited 01-13-2003).]
Even though your question was to Gen Den, I thought you might benefit from several who have worn or are wearing Repositional Splints.
The splint that I'm wearing now is worn on the bottom.
It's called a "Posterior Muscle Repositioning Splint."
Right now, I'm supposed to wear it 24/7, except when eating. My Dentist says later, when the muscles have relaxed & repositioned, I can wear it juat at night.
It's hard plastic and very thin. I've never had one like it. Marlene made a brief post that she had worn one. I'm not sure if she still usues it. I think she does. She did say she knew that it had helped her tremedously.
Also, even though it's hard plastic, you can make indentions in it with your teeth. My Dentist says that this will show him if I'm grinding, clenching, or "eating on it". At my 2 week check, he said I was not doing anything in my sleep. It had no indentions or grinding marks.
He says that this is what is needed for severely damaged joints, such as no disc, arthritis, and damage from surgical procedures.
The benefits that I have seen in 3 weeks are, headaches almost gone, I have a wider opening, the burning pain is better, ( muscles are not squeezing nerves so much) and I can talk much better.
I hope this helps,
Cymy Sue
[This message has been edited by Cymy Sue (edited 01-13-2003).]
GenDen
01-13-2003, 09:32 PM
My repositioning splint is worn on the bottom--molars only. I wear it 24/7. It is called a Gelb and I know there are websites that show pictures of the Gelb splint.
Marlene
01-14-2003, 01:16 AM
Hi Cymy Sue,
My splint was an Anterior Repositioning Appliance. I wore it when I was first diagnosed with TMJ in 1996. I wore it for 1 year. After I had my braces off, I wore a night guard that covered my upper and lower teeth. Wore that for 3 years (at night only). Then I wore something similar to an NTI (at night only). Only wore that for a very short period of time, and it's been about 8 months now that I haven't had to wear ANYTHING at night (other than my pajamas - LOL!!)
Marlene
My splint was an Anterior Repositioning Appliance. I wore it when I was first diagnosed with TMJ in 1996. I wore it for 1 year. After I had my braces off, I wore a night guard that covered my upper and lower teeth. Wore that for 3 years (at night only). Then I wore something similar to an NTI (at night only). Only wore that for a very short period of time, and it's been about 8 months now that I haven't had to wear ANYTHING at night (other than my pajamas - LOL!!)
Marlene
Cymy Sue
01-14-2003, 05:24 AM
Marlene,
I'm so happy for you. Your story gives me a lot of hope. I'm sorry I was confused about the kind of splint you wore. My Dentist did explain the difference in anterior and posterior splints in regard to each individuals problems, symtoms and TMJ damage.
I pray that all of the people on this board can find a "Specialist" that will take an interest and precribe the correct treatment.
Thanks for the info on "how long". One thing I've learned in all these years is patience. I'm already seeing improvement, but I know it will take a while and I may have to wear something to support my joints forever. That's not a problem, I can do that. IMPROVEMENT of symtoms is worth doing anything(non-invasive).
Thanks again,
Cymy Sue
I'm so happy for you. Your story gives me a lot of hope. I'm sorry I was confused about the kind of splint you wore. My Dentist did explain the difference in anterior and posterior splints in regard to each individuals problems, symtoms and TMJ damage.
I pray that all of the people on this board can find a "Specialist" that will take an interest and precribe the correct treatment.
Thanks for the info on "how long". One thing I've learned in all these years is patience. I'm already seeing improvement, but I know it will take a while and I may have to wear something to support my joints forever. That's not a problem, I can do that. IMPROVEMENT of symtoms is worth doing anything(non-invasive).
Thanks again,
Cymy Sue
Cymy Sue
06-16-2003, 04:25 AM
bump
CherylLynn24
06-16-2003, 02:56 PM
Cymy Sue,
Informative post. It makes me laugh, when I recently took my son to 'one of the best' ENT's (just to be safe and get his opinion) he said he'd NEVER heard of tinnitus being a symptom of TMJD. I told him it appears to be a relatively common symptom of TMJD, and well, let's just say, I upset him. (they know more than us, right?) lol
Cheryl
[This message has been edited by CherylLynn24 (edited 10-31-2003).]
Informative post. It makes me laugh, when I recently took my son to 'one of the best' ENT's (just to be safe and get his opinion) he said he'd NEVER heard of tinnitus being a symptom of TMJD. I told him it appears to be a relatively common symptom of TMJD, and well, let's just say, I upset him. (they know more than us, right?) lol
Cheryl
[This message has been edited by CherylLynn24 (edited 10-31-2003).]
Anastasia
06-16-2003, 03:22 PM
hi cymy sue!
thanx for the posts. ican't believe how ENT's don;t make the connection between TMj and ears. i was seeing an ENT for 2.5 months and he labled my symptoms as either a prolonged viral infection or stress! i was devistated!
as soon as i went to my dentist and told him about my ear pain he instantly blurted out TMJ and gave me a FULL explaination for my ear symptoms and eye pain, including my spaced-out feeling.
he told me that the interior muscles of the jaw are attatched to the Eustachian Tubes and when your jaw shifts so do the other muscles. they can cause massive symptoms ranging from Tennitus to Disorientation to severe Vertigo. i'm still ticked at my ENT for not mentioning TMJ! for a guy who's supposed to be an expert on ears, you'd figure he'd make the connection instead of using the cop-out excuse of stress!
Anastasia
thanx for the posts. ican't believe how ENT's don;t make the connection between TMj and ears. i was seeing an ENT for 2.5 months and he labled my symptoms as either a prolonged viral infection or stress! i was devistated!
as soon as i went to my dentist and told him about my ear pain he instantly blurted out TMJ and gave me a FULL explaination for my ear symptoms and eye pain, including my spaced-out feeling.
he told me that the interior muscles of the jaw are attatched to the Eustachian Tubes and when your jaw shifts so do the other muscles. they can cause massive symptoms ranging from Tennitus to Disorientation to severe Vertigo. i'm still ticked at my ENT for not mentioning TMJ! for a guy who's supposed to be an expert on ears, you'd figure he'd make the connection instead of using the cop-out excuse of stress!
Anastasia
CherylLynn24
06-17-2003, 10:16 PM
bump