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Does Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Cause Ear Pain?

Posted on Thu, 19 Nov 2015

Question: I have had pain in my outer ear (the cartilage part), in my jaw and behind my ear for about two months now. I went to an ENT and he saw nothing, my ears looked perfect. I did feel like I had water in my ear and that has now gone away. I also have popping in that same ear at least everyday. I had a cold about six weeks ago and since my symptoms have not gone away. I went to my dentist and i do have a cavity on that side as well as TMJ and my popping and clicking of my jaw seems to be the worse on that same side as my ear pain. Should I be concerned about this? Can TMJ really cause all this? I do clench my jaw all the time, because I'm really stressed, I don't get enough rest and I'm afraid of dying.

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Rajkishori Godhi (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
can be eustachian tube dysfunction

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welocme to healthcaremagic,

TMJ dysfunction usually produces pain in front of the ear but in longstanding cases pain can be felt in the temples, jaw and can be very diffuse, often spreading to the entire face.

Since your symptoms have started after an episode of cold, it is very possible that your symptoms are because of dysfunction of the eustachian tube. This tube connects the back of the ear to the back of the nose. Malfunction of this tube usually results due to a cold. It can produce pain in and around the ear, blocking or fullness of the ear, popping sound in the ear.

Only a thorough examination by an ENT can help us to come to a definitve diagnosis. Till you can see an ENT you can use decongestant nose drops like otrivin. These drops help to decongest the tubes and improve its functioning. Instill 3 drops in each nostril 3 times daily and follow it up with steam inhalation for 6 days. Plaese chew some gum and blow 2 balloons everyday. Drink plenty of water and avoid AC and cold foods.

Feel free to follow up,
Regards,
Dr Rajkishori Godhi MS (ENT)

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Rajkishori Godhi (39 minutes later)

Thank you so much for your response, I did go to an ENT and he did mention that I may have one eustastion tube that is smaller then another but he didn't give me any recommendations for nasal drops. My ear popping has been going on for about 7 months now off and on, the pain has been happening since my cold (about six weeks). I'm concerned there is something more serious, I've never had this pain before.....can a cold make TMJ worse?

Answered by Dr. Rajkishori Godhi (3 days later)

Brief Answer:
a nasal endoscopy may help

Detailed Answer:
Hi and I am very sorry for the delay in the response,

Decongestant Nose drops will help to reduce the congestion of the tubes which in turn will help them to function more efficiently.

Eustachian tube dysfunction is commonly due to allergies in the nose. This will have to be ruled out in you.

The nasal opening of the tubes can be seen via nasal endoscopy. Any obstruction to the opening of the tubes like polyps or growths can be seen during endoscopy. Please see an ENT specialist again for the nasal endoscopy and also to rule out allergy.

Cold does not make a TMJ dysfunction worse.
Regards,
Dr Rajkishori Godhi

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. Vinay Bhardwaj