Tinnitus, the perception of sound without an external source, is often described as ringing, buzzing, or hissing in the ears. This persistent auditory sensation affects a significant number of people, causing many sufferers to explore simple, non-medical solutions for relief. Among the most accessible home remedies suggested is chewing gum, which prompts the question of whether this common habit can actually influence the internal sounds of tinnitus. While chewing gum is not a universal treatment, its mechanical effects on the jaw and surrounding structures may offer temporary relief for specific types of tinnitus.
The Link Between Tinnitus and Jaw Movement
The connection between jaw movements and tinnitus symptoms is rooted in the close anatomical and neurological relationship between the ear and the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ. This joint, which acts like a sliding hinge connecting the jawbone to the skull, is located immediately adjacent to the middle ear structures. Dysfunction in the TMJ and the surrounding muscles is a common cause of a specific classification known as somatosensory tinnitus, often called somatic tinnitus.
Somatic tinnitus is a form where the perceived sound can be changed in pitch or loudness by movements of the head, neck, or jaw. The trigeminal nerve, which supplies the jaw muscles, also has shared pathways with the auditory system in the brainstem. This shared nerve pathway means that tension, inflammation, or nerve irritation originating from the jaw area can alter the sensory input to the brain’s auditory processing centers.
Chronic tension in the muscles of mastication, like the masseter and temporalis, can translate into amplified tinnitus symptoms for some individuals. Overworked jaw muscles, often from stress or teeth grinding (bruxism), can heighten nerve sensitivity in the region. Therefore, any action that affects the state of the TMJ and these surrounding muscles has the potential to modulate the perception of the phantom sound.
How Chewing Gum Impacts Ear Pressure and Muscle Tension
The act of chewing gum can influence tinnitus through two main physiological mechanisms: muscle relaxation and pressure equalization. Repetitive jaw movement can help reduce chronic tightness in the masseter and temporalis muscles. This continuous, low-level activity may encourage the relaxation of these jaw-closing muscles, potentially easing the tension that is transmitted to the nerves linked to the auditory system.
Swallowing, which is an automatic part of chewing gum, is particularly effective at engaging the muscles that open the Eustachian tube. The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the throat and is responsible for equalizing air pressure. When chewing and swallowing, the tensor veli palatini muscle is activated, which briefly opens this tube, allowing air to flow in or out of the middle ear.
This pressure equalization mechanism is beneficial for tinnitus associated with Eustachian tube dysfunction, often experienced after altitude changes or during congestion. The movement of the jaw aids in this pressure change, which can alleviate symptoms related to a feeling of ear fullness. Furthermore, the sound generated by the chewing itself can function as a form of temporary sound therapy, acting as a masker for low-level tinnitus.
What Scientific Evidence Says About Relief
Scientific research suggests that relief from chewing gum is highly dependent on the underlying cause of the tinnitus. For individuals whose tinnitus is related to temporomandibular disorders, conservative treatments that address jaw pain and muscle tension have been shown to reduce the severity of their symptoms. Chewing gum may mimic a simple therapeutic jaw exercise, potentially providing temporary benefit in these specific somatic cases.
However, chewing gum is not a cure and is not universally recommended, especially for those with existing TMJ pain, as excessive use can sometimes aggravate the joint. If the tinnitus originates from common causes like hearing loss due to inner ear damage or nerve-related issues, the mechanical action of chewing gum is unlikely to provide any lasting benefit. Tinnitus relief is most often reported when the symptoms can be physically modulated, meaning they change with jaw or neck movement.
If a person suspects their tinnitus is linked to tension, occasional chewing may be attempted as a simple self-care method. If the tinnitus is persistent, worsens, or is accompanied by symptoms like jaw pain or hearing changes, a medical evaluation is warranted. A healthcare provider can determine the true cause and recommend appropriate strategies, which may include physical therapy or specialized treatments for the jaw and neck.