Ear Canal Pain.... - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

CherylLynn24 · 06-12-2003, 12:29 AM

Hey All,

I have a question concerning myself. I've noticed over the years that when my problems really flare up, that my ear canals hurt so bad, that I cannot even clean my ears with Q-Tips, it's too painful. I've always wondered if this was related to TMJ or not. It seems as though when TMJ symptoms wane, so does this. Any of you?
Cheryl

Cymy Sue · 06-12-2003, 12:48 AM

Hi Cheryl,

Earaches and ear pain are many times the first symtoms of TMJ dysfunction. It's due to the close proximity of the TM joint to the aricular cavity and also the complexities of the intertwining muscles and neural network. There are actually 2 small muscles involved in mastication (Chewing) that connect into your ear. When they are involved in overuse or in spasm due to TMJD, the process affects the ears. Many times this causes a terrible deep earache. Sometimes you will get a sharp stab in your ear, everytime you open & close.

I had several things going on 26 years ago, but "Earaches" were by far the worst and sent me on a search that eventually culminated in a TMJS diagnosis.

I have had many "Ear Symtoms" over the years, but have not experienced any damage to my ears.
I "Have" kept up hearing tests and the other tests that ENT"s or Otologist do, to make sure that my hearing has not been damaged.

I still feel a little weird after yesterday, (Can't sleep)but I hope this makes sense.

Cymy Sue

[This message has been edited by Cymy Sue (edited 06-12-2003).]

CherylLynn24 · 06-12-2003, 12:58 AM

Cymy Sue,

You should be sleeping! Thanks for your response. It makes complete sense. I've never heard anyone complain before of this. I'm finding out (through all the research for him) that many of my symptoms that I've suffered with throughout the years are actually TMJD-related. (makes me wonder if I've ever had fibro at all) And to think that every time I went to a doctor with something bothersome such as this, they wrote it off as a 'fluke'?!
Thanks again,
Cheryl

[This message has been edited by CherylLynn24 (edited 10-31-2003).]

hbep · 06-12-2003, 02:49 AM

Hi Cheryl,

I've written about my ear/tmjd experiences on here. I get intermittent ear pain - stabbing, or more prolonged. Yup, definitely a tmjd symptom, if the doc doesn't find any infection that is. Obviously it's always worth checking if you have reason to believe there might be an infection as this should be treated with antibiotics.

MarkCE · 06-12-2003, 04:15 AM

Hi Cheryl,

With all the stuff that seems to be connected with ear and jaw symptoms it seems pretty logical to me. Sometimes I experience a throbbing pain deep in my ears and I can coincide it with when my jaw is really sore. Thankfully it doesn't happen much though.