Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears or head when no external sound is present. This sensation can manifest as ringing, buzzing, hissing, humming, or even throbbing. While common, some people notice their tinnitus temporarily intensifies when they yawn. This article explores the physiological reasons behind this interaction and discusses factors that might make tinnitus more reactive.
The Mechanics of Yawning and Tinnitus
Yawning involves a complex coordination of muscles and anatomical structures that influence the middle ear. A primary mechanism is the opening of the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. Its main function is to equalize air pressure. Actions like yawning or swallowing cause it to open, allowing air to flow and equalize pressure.
The opening of the Eustachian tube during a yawn is primarily facilitated by the tensor veli palatini muscle, which contracts to pull open the tube. The tensor tympani muscle, a small middle ear muscle, also contracts during yawning and swallowing, pulling on the eardrum and affecting sound transmission. The simultaneous contraction of these muscles briefly alters eardrum tension and middle ear pressure, explaining why tinnitus might seem louder or change character during a yawn.
Factors Influencing Tinnitus Reactivity
While the temporary change in tinnitus during a yawn is often a normal physiological response, certain underlying factors can make this reactivity more pronounced. Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) occurs when the Eustachian tubes do not open or close properly, leading to symptoms like ear fullness, muffled hearing, and crackling or popping sounds. If the Eustachian tube remains persistently open (patulous Eustachian tube), individuals might experience a “sea shell” sound or hear their own voice and breathing more loudly.
Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jawbone to the skull, can also influence tinnitus reactivity. Movements of the jaw, such as those during yawning, can impact nearby ear structures and nerve pathways. TMJ disorders can cause ear pain, clicking sounds, and often contribute to tinnitus. Muscular tension in the jaw and neck, common with TMJ disorders, can also be a primary contributor to reactive tinnitus.
Stress and anxiety can significantly influence how tinnitus is perceived and its reactivity. Psychological factors can heighten an individual’s awareness of bodily sensations, making the temporary increase in tinnitus during a yawn more noticeable. Individuals with pre-existing hearing loss may also experience tinnitus reactivity, as their auditory system might become more sensitive to internal changes or external stimuli.
When to Seek Medical Evaluation
While tinnitus getting louder when yawning is often a benign physiological occurrence, certain symptoms warrant a medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare professional if tinnitus is constant, worsens, or significantly interferes with daily life, such as affecting sleep, concentration, or mood.
Specific characteristics of tinnitus should also prompt medical attention. If tinnitus occurs in only one ear, or if it is accompanied by sudden hearing loss, dizziness, or facial muscle weakness, an urgent evaluation is recommended. Pulsatile tinnitus, which beats in time with your pulse, should also be evaluated as it can indicate an underlying vascular issue. A doctor can examine the ears for treatable causes like ear infections or excessive earwax, and may recommend hearing tests or other diagnostic measures to determine the underlying cause.