The perception of sound without an external source, commonly described as ringing, buzzing, or hissing, is known as tinnitus. While often perceived as a problem solely within the ear, this internal sound is actually a complex neurological phenomenon generated within the brain. Chronic tinnitus can be frustrating and disruptive, leading many to seek relief beyond standard treatments like sound masking or hearing aids.
For a specific subset of sufferers, the cause is not inner ear damage but a physical tension, leading to a lesser-known, targeted approach for temporary relief. This approach centers on the close anatomical relationship between the jaw, neck, and the brain’s auditory processing centers. Understanding the type of tinnitus a person has determines whether this physical technique offers a path to quiet.
Differentiating Tinnitus Types
Tinnitus is not a single condition, and its origin determines the most effective management strategy. The most common form is Sensorineural Tinnitus, which typically arises from damage to the delicate hair cells in the inner ear or the auditory nerve. This type is frequently associated with noise exposure or age-related hearing loss.
A distinct category is Somatic Tinnitus, also known as somatosensory tinnitus, which is the type responsive to the “trick.” This form is characterized by the ability to alter the sound’s pitch or volume by moving the jaw, neck, or head, or by applying pressure to certain points on the face or neck. This modulation indicates how the brain processes sensory information from the body.
This type often co-occurs with conditions like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, whiplash, or chronic neck tension. The physical input from the head and neck directly influences the auditory system. Recognizing this somatic link is the first step toward finding relief through physical maneuvers.
The Somatic Tinnitus Connection
The link between physical movement and the perception of sound lies in the brainstem, specifically at the dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN). This area is a primary auditory relay station that receives sound signals from the inner ear. The DCN also receives non-auditory input from other sensory systems, including the somatosensory system.
Nerve fibers from the trigeminal nerve, which supplies sensation to the face and jaw, and the dorsal root ganglia, relating to the upper neck and head, project directly into the DCN. Tension or dysfunction in the jaw joint or neck muscles sends amplified or abnormal signals along these pathways. This abnormal physical input can then disrupt normal auditory processing, causing the perception of tinnitus or changing its characteristics.
The muscles used for chewing and the ligaments associated with the temporomandibular joint are anatomically close to the middle ear structures. Inflammation or excessive tension in the jaw muscles can irritate nerve branches or mechanically influence the middle ear. By relaxing the overactive muscles in the neck and jaw, the physical input to the DCN is normalized, which can temporarily quiet the perceived sound.
The Targeted Release Technique
The lesser-known technique that can provide temporary relief involves gently stimulating the area at the back of the head, targeting the suboccipital muscles and the base of the skull. This maneuver, sometimes referred to as the “Fingers Drumming” technique, aims to override the abnormal somatosensory signals that contribute to the tinnitus perception. The physical tapping creates a new, strong, non-auditory signal that may temporarily reset the neural activity in the DCN.
To perform this technique, place the palms of the hands over the ears, lightly covering them to block out external sound. The fingers should rest on the back of the head, with the middle fingers meeting just above the base of the skull, where the neck meets the head.
Next, place the index fingers on top of the middle fingers. Then, snap the index fingers off the middle fingers to lightly strike the occipital bone at the base of the skull.
Repeat this gentle, rhythmic “drumming” motion about 40 to 50 times. The resulting sound should be a dull, hollow thud perceived inside the head. Many people who experience somatic tinnitus report a temporary reduction or cessation of the ringing sound immediately after performing this action. This relief is often short-lived, but it provides a brief respite and confirms the somatic connection.
It is important to perform this maneuver gently, focusing on the rhythmic vibration rather than forceful impact. While this technique is a temporary measure for many, it serves as a valuable self-test for somatic tinnitus. Anyone experiencing pain, increased symptoms, or chronic tinnitus should consult a healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist, audiologist, or dentist, to investigate the underlying jaw or neck dysfunction.