Your jaw can affect your ear primarily because of the proximity and interconnectedness of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the ear canal.
The Connection Between Your Jaw and Ear
The TMJ is located very close to the ear canal. These two structures share a network of nerves and blood vessels. Therefore, problems with the TMJ can often manifest as ear-related symptoms.
How Jaw Problems Affect the Ear
- Inflammation and Pressure: When the temporomandibular joint is inflamed or damaged, it can put pressure on the surrounding nerves and blood vessels.
- Nerve and Blood Vessel Impact: This pressure on nerves and blood vessels can lead to a variety of ear symptoms.
Potential Ear Symptoms Due to Jaw Problems
Jaw problems, specifically TMJ disorders, can cause the following ear symptoms:
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Ear pain
- A feeling of fullness in the ear
- Dizziness
- Vertigo
In Summary
Problems within the jaw joint can cause ear symptoms because the ear canal is located close to the TMJ, and they are connected by a network of nerves and blood vessels. When the temporomandibular joint is inflamed or damaged, it can put pressure on the surrounding nerves and blood vessels, causing a range of ear symptoms.
