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Crunching Sound In Both Ears. Feels Like Bone Is Cracking Together. Teeth Grinder At Night. Suggest The Treatment?
Question: I have a crunching sound in both ears when i flex something near the back of my jaw. The sound is getting more severe aand it feels like bone is cracking together. IVe been to an ENT who said the ears were find and this is a jaw issue. I'm a teeth grinder at night whjich may be the problem though ive been wearing a guard for years. it seems to constantly be going on. Any ideas on how to treat this?
Brief Answer:
Problem is due to Temporomandibular joints disease
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr. XXXXXXX
Thanks for your query.
From the details provided, the commonest cause of your problem is inflammation of your temporo-mandibular joints (TMJ) that is, the joint between the jaw bone and the skull. The joint is situated just below the ear-lobe. A 7-10 days' course of anti-inflammatory drugs, such as a combination of ibuprofen + paracetamol thrice daily will relieve you of the symptoms.
The other causes of TMJ disorder are, osteoarthritis or dislocation. The exact cause will be manifested in MRI.
I therefore recommend that you consult an orthopedic surgeon, who knows what is best for you.
Further, grinding of teeth during sleep is most commonly due to worms infestation in the intestine. A deworming course, repeated after 3 days, would suffice.
Hopi I have answered your query. If you have further clarifications, I will be happy to answer.
Dr. Rakesh Karanwal
Problem is due to Temporomandibular joints disease
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr. XXXXXXX
Thanks for your query.
From the details provided, the commonest cause of your problem is inflammation of your temporo-mandibular joints (TMJ) that is, the joint between the jaw bone and the skull. The joint is situated just below the ear-lobe. A 7-10 days' course of anti-inflammatory drugs, such as a combination of ibuprofen + paracetamol thrice daily will relieve you of the symptoms.
The other causes of TMJ disorder are, osteoarthritis or dislocation. The exact cause will be manifested in MRI.
I therefore recommend that you consult an orthopedic surgeon, who knows what is best for you.
Further, grinding of teeth during sleep is most commonly due to worms infestation in the intestine. A deworming course, repeated after 3 days, would suffice.
Hopi I have answered your query. If you have further clarifications, I will be happy to answer.
Dr. Rakesh Karanwal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Thank you. However I have been through 3 course of antibiotics when it was considered an ear infection, all of which did nothing. I also took neurofen during this time for an unrelated tooth problem so I'm not convinced. The clicking is almost definitely higher up, at ear hole level, on both sides.
Brief Answer:
Clicks arising from TMJs are heard in/around ears
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr. XXXXXXX
Thanks for reverting back to me.
You are perfectly right in saying that the click is heard at the ear level. Actually, the click due to disorder of temporo-mandibular joints, are heard INSIDE AND AROUND THE EARS.
Further, ear infection or any other ear disorder has already been EXCLUDED by your ENT specialist. So, there is nothing wrong with the ears.
Please note that- apart from the causes already highlighted earlier- other causes of jaw joints include :-
- Grinding or clenching the teeth, which puts a lot of pressure on the TMJ
- Dislocation of the soft cushion or disc between the ball and socket
- Stress, which can cause a person to tighten facial and jaw muscles or clench the teeth, or
- Problems of the muscles of the jaw.
Hence, taking all facts into consideration, I had come to the definite conclusion that your problems are due to Temporo-mandibilar joints disorder.
Once again- provided you take my word at its face value- you are requested to consult an orthopedic surgeon for confirmation of my diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Rakesh Karanwal
Clicks arising from TMJs are heard in/around ears
Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr. XXXXXXX
Thanks for reverting back to me.
You are perfectly right in saying that the click is heard at the ear level. Actually, the click due to disorder of temporo-mandibular joints, are heard INSIDE AND AROUND THE EARS.
Further, ear infection or any other ear disorder has already been EXCLUDED by your ENT specialist. So, there is nothing wrong with the ears.
Please note that- apart from the causes already highlighted earlier- other causes of jaw joints include :-
- Grinding or clenching the teeth, which puts a lot of pressure on the TMJ
- Dislocation of the soft cushion or disc between the ball and socket
- Stress, which can cause a person to tighten facial and jaw muscles or clench the teeth, or
- Problems of the muscles of the jaw.
Hence, taking all facts into consideration, I had come to the definite conclusion that your problems are due to Temporo-mandibilar joints disorder.
Once again- provided you take my word at its face value- you are requested to consult an orthopedic surgeon for confirmation of my diagnosis and treatment.
Dr. Rakesh Karanwal
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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