Ear Problems/Dizziness - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

Jill43 · 01-19-2007, 08:33 AM

I am having terrible ear fullness and dizziness almost daily and wondering if this is related to TMJ?

If I tug on my ear lobe it feels and sounds like cartiliage or something tearing or pulling apart. When I do this it relieves the ear pressure for a short time and then it returns.

Does anyone else experience ear problems and can anyone give me advise and how to get rid of it? I think it's been the worst part of my TMJ issue (if that's what it is) All I know is it is driving me crazy.

cappy7 · 01-19-2007, 12:08 PM

Hi Jill,

I have the same thing going to with my ears. My allergies have been really bad since last summer. I also here a strange noise when I tug on my ear or move it around. It almost sounds like the fluid that is trapped in there. I'm not sure. I'm leaving for vacation on Sunday and am dreading the flight because I know my ears are going to be a mess. I just started taking Zyrtec D, so we'll see if that helps. I also have some jaw pain, but I beleive it's due to my sinuses being so messed up.

MaggieMay78 · 01-19-2007, 01:44 PM

Jill,

I also have lots of ear problems (ringing, clicking noises, etc) due to my TMJ disorder. I have explained how this all works before...but right now I'm in a hurry, I will try to explain more later about how the ears relate to the muscles if you're interested. Basically, believe it or not, your ear problems are most likely related to the tense muscles in your face. A quick summary: some of your facial muscles share nerve pathways with the ear. Tense muscles can lead to strange noises, stuffiness, fullness, etc. in the ear. I don't really think there is a quick fix for this, unfortunately. I know what you mean, it drives me nuts too! Wish i could offer a quick and easy solution, but sadly i can't. For now, the best thing you can do is try to get your muscular spasms under control. Easier said than done, but that's about the only thing that might help eventually.

I have discovered that TMJ problems just require a LOT of patience and tolerance. There is no quick fix. Many people like to think that surgery will be a quick fix, but in a lot of cases, it isn't. You are best off with conservative treatment, relaxation, and patience.

Good luck!

Meg

Jill43 · 01-19-2007, 02:03 PM

Thank you both for responding to my post. I really appreciate it.

Meg - I would be very interested to find out how all of this works when you have time. Have your ear problems resolved? I would love to hear what has worked for you. I just don't know how much more of this I can take.

I do have an appointment with pain management Dr. and I'm not sure if that will be a waste of time but I am desparate for anything to get rid of this.

Thanks again to the both of you.

Take Care - Jill

loralei · 01-24-2007, 12:32 PM

this sounds a lot like what i have. But my problems didn't start UNTIL they gave me night guard for teeth grinding.

The past couple weeks, I have had moderate tinnitus and cracking/popping noises in 1 ear. My jaw also seemed to POP loudly and as I moved my jaw, I could also hear fluid popping in my ear.

I just blew my nose and my ears both totally blocked up. I've always have problems with dizziness due to ear infections. But this dizziness is far worse than anything I've experienced lately.