Tinnitus is the perception of sound when no external sound is present, often described as ringing, buzzing, hissing, or roaring in the ears. Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to erupt, typically appearing in the late teens or early twenties. While these molars usually emerge without complications, their eruption can sometimes lead to various issues. This article explores the potential connections between problematic wisdom teeth and the onset of tinnitus.
Understanding the Potential Link
Impacted or erupting wisdom teeth can contribute to tinnitus through nerve irritation or compression. The trigeminal nerve, a major nerve in the head, has branches extending to the jaw and areas near the ear. When a wisdom tooth is impacted or erupts improperly, it can exert pressure on these nerves, potentially leading to referred pain or altered nerve signals that the brain interprets as tinnitus.
Another link involves Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction. Misaligned or impacted wisdom teeth can disrupt the natural bite and jaw mechanics, straining the TMJ, the hinge connecting the jawbone to the skull. Dysfunction in this joint can cause jaw pain, headaches, and ear discomfort, which may manifest as tinnitus. Tinnitus is more prevalent in individuals with TMJ disorders. Theories suggest this connection arises from the proximity of chewing muscles to middle ear structures or ligaments connecting the jaw to hearing bones.
Inflammation and infection, such as pericoronitis, around an erupting wisdom tooth can also play a role. Pericoronitis is the inflammation of gum tissue surrounding a partially erupted wisdom tooth, often caused by trapped food and bacteria. This inflammation can spread to adjacent structures, including the middle ear, potentially causing irritation and leading to tinnitus-like symptoms. Swelling and pressure from an infected tooth may also affect the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the throat, contributing to ear discomfort and phantom sounds.
The concept of referred pain further explains how wisdom teeth issues might lead to ear-related symptoms. Referred pain occurs when discomfort from one area of the body is felt in a different location. Due to the intricate network of nerves in the head and neck, pain or pressure from a problematic wisdom tooth can radiate to the ear or surrounding head region, mimicking the sensation of tinnitus. Even dental procedures like wisdom tooth extraction can temporarily cause tinnitus.
Common Causes of Tinnitus
While a connection to wisdom teeth is possible, tinnitus often stems from other common causes. Age-related hearing loss, known as presbycusis, is a frequent contributor, typically starting around age 60 as the number of functioning nerve fibers in the ears declines. Noise-induced hearing loss, resulting from exposure to loud sounds, can also damage the auditory system and lead to tinnitus.
Earwax blockage is a common cause, as excessive buildup can create pressure in the inner ear and affect the eardrum’s operation, leading to perceived sounds. Inner ear disorders like Meniere’s disease, characterized by fluid buildup in the inner ear, can also cause tinnitus along with dizziness and fluctuating hearing loss. Eustachian tube dysfunction, where the tube connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat does not regulate pressure properly, can similarly contribute to tinnitus symptoms.
Certain medications are known to be ototoxic, meaning they can cause or worsen tinnitus as a side effect. These include certain antibiotics, NSAIDs, and some cancer medications. Tinnitus from these drugs is often temporary and resolves once the medication is stopped or the dosage is adjusted. Blood vessel disorders, such as high blood pressure or atherosclerosis, can lead to pulsatile tinnitus, a rhythmic sound synchronized with one’s heartbeat. Head or neck injuries can also affect the inner ear, hearing nerves, or brain functions related to hearing, sometimes causing tinnitus in one ear.
When to Seek Professional Advice
If a person experiences persistent tinnitus, especially if they suspect a link to their wisdom teeth, professional medical advice is recommended. An initial consultation with a dentist or oral surgeon is appropriate if there is discomfort, pain, or impaction related to wisdom teeth alongside tinnitus symptoms. For persistent tinnitus regardless of a suspected dental cause, a general practitioner or an audiologist and ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) specialist should be consulted.
During the diagnostic process, a healthcare professional will review the patient’s medical history, including any medications taken, and conduct a physical examination of the ears, head, and neck. An audiological exam, which assesses hearing, may also be performed to identify underlying hearing loss or other ear conditions. In some cases, especially if tinnitus affects only one ear or is pulsatile, imaging tests like an MRI or CT scan might be recommended to rule out structural problems or vascular issues.
Treatment approaches for tinnitus depend on the identified underlying cause. If problematic wisdom teeth are implicated, their extraction might be recommended to alleviate symptoms. For other causes, management strategies can include hearing aids to make tinnitus less noticeable, sound therapy, or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help individuals cope with the perception of tinnitus. Self-diagnosis is not advisable; a thorough professional evaluation is necessary for accurate diagnosis and effective management.