Dr. Brian Hale's San Antonio Cosmetic Dentistry Blog

It is not uncommon if you hear a faint ringing or humming in your ears from time to time.
But if the ringing is incessant, you may have a condition called tinnitus.

At least 50 million Americans have experienced tinnitus (either short term or long term) at some point in their lives, estimates the American Tinnitus Association. While some people simply get used to it, others find it intolerable and hindering to their quality of life.

Tinnitus can be caused by the strain temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ/TMD) puts on the muscles of the inner ear. The noise that goes along with tinnitus can be heard in one ear (most common in TMD-related tinnitus), both ears or in the middle of your head. It can also be tough to identify exactly where the noise is coming from. The sound can be a range of pitches and a single noise or a muffled sound with multiple components.

Most tinnitus is a continuous noise, although there is another type called pulsatile tinnitus where you may hear a pulsing sound in your ears. If this is the case, your tinnitus may be related to high blood pressure to vascular disease instead of TMD. Regardless, you should have it checked out.

If you live in the San Antonio area and are suffering from ringing in your ears, please contact neuromuscular dentist Dr. Brian Hale today to set up your consultation. Be on your way to a pain-free lifestyle. Call today.