TMJ / Tinnitus / Hyperacusis history and treatment from newcomer - TMJ Disorder -TemporoMandibular Joint Message Board

DFiction · 08-01-2008, 01:48 PM

Hello,
my name is Daniel. I'm 22 years old, and have been dealing with intermittent TMJ since I was 19. At the time I first started developing symptoms, I rejected treatment; I noticed that the symptoms would come and go with various levels of stress. This year, my ears started ringing. I am a professional musician, and therefore must be proactive in my recovery. Reading and suspecting that my intermittent TMJ is contributing to the sound-sensitivity and continuous hissing, I am now committed to resolving my TMJ disorder also.

My TMJ is worse on one side, my right, where hyperacusis is at its worst. I'm now aware of my bruxism—I clench and grind all the time but wasn't aware before seeing a doctor. My TMJ doctor recently had me fitted for a MORA appliance, which is actually very uncomfortable to wear. I struggle against it continuously and am trying to wean myself onto by trying it a couple hours each day.

I'll keep updating this thread as I progress in MORA treatment, to let you all know if it is helpful or not. I'd appreciate any advice you can offer as kindred spirits, fellow learners or sufferers.

yours truly,
Daniel

DFiction · 08-23-2008, 03:16 PM

update...
the MORA appliance was extremely uncomfortable to wear, so my doctor changed it. now, after three weeks of excruciating tension, the appliance sits okay in my mouth. i notice that when it is on, my jaw does not crack. however, it's still very difficult to put up with 24-7.

meanwhile, the jaw is feeling okay, but both ears are constantly full, and ringing.

temera2 · 08-23-2008, 09:52 PM

Hey there Daniel

Let me be the first to congratulate in acknowleging your tmj! GOOD WORK CHAMP!

I also was like you- from the years of 01-03 i had BAD EARACHES which i didnt seek treatment for as i was REALLY young and i didnt even realise there was treatment you could get...my tmj disappeared for 3 years! so i forgot about the whole thing ( thanking God i was ridden from my pain)!

But my tmj returned in Jan 07 back to the horrible earaches.. and i wish i had FIXED this problem , see the risk of tmj coming back is EXTREMELY high and is a progressive illness. My main symptom has ALWAYS been earaches..i never get headaches or back pain etc.. Do you get earaches? Or just ringing.. but the earaches have driven me crazy (literally

).. noone is even allowed to touch them anymore.

This board has become a home to me

As Crazy as i sound.. but all the people on this board arent just people they have become my friends and i think of them, care for them and pray for them everyday!! When they are hurt, it hurts me and when they share there good stories i rejoice!

Share all your sucesses and downfalls with us.. We are willing to listen to everything .. and WELCOME you with open arms

Ive never heard of the MORA treatment ..? Do you wear splints?

I have my stories all in other threads.. highlighting my desperate times and good times.. so i wont go into it , but just in summary , i have 2 splints and i am trying to recapture a disk which is displaced... im hoping my earaches will go away ... each day at a time is how i take it...i see chiro and also a podiatrist ..( ive seen numerous other places which ive lost count of including doctors times a million , acupunture, dentists, physio.. )....

I promise you that you will get used to your appliance.. hang in there.. just promise you WILL NEVER stop using it because its annoying.. u must wear it to get better!it is lovely meeting you Daniel...

Wishing you the best and cant wait to see you overcome this horrible condition.. we can do it !!!

sunshine123 · 08-24-2008, 12:52 AM

Hi Daniel: I'm sorry you have TMJ also. I used to get really bad pain in my left ear. Muscle relaxers and Acupuncture help me a lot and I wore braces to correct a bad bite. I do still clench and grind and wear a splint when I go to bed, but I don't suffer with God awful daily headaches anymore. I hope the splint will help you.

nynavey · 08-24-2008, 11:26 AM

Temera2 is right about it being annoying at first but getting less as you go. I've been wearing a splint for 2 weeks now and the first week for sure I knew it was there all the time. It was annoying and irritating, especially when I needed to speak very clearly. I kept wanting to pop it out with my tongue like I did with a retainer at 16! But 2 weeks from the day I got it and I started realizing I'd forgotten I had it in periodically. I am getting used to it being there and not even feeling it now. Even when I speak sometimes. Keep it up and you will eventually not notice it.