Scientists continue to explore the causes of tinnitus, a persistent sound such as a ringing in the head. Now, some studies are pointing to allergies and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder as factors contributing to tinnitus.

By Joni Doherty, MD, PhD

Scientists continue to explore the causes of tinnitus, a persistent sound such as a ringing in the head. As tinnitus sufferers know, symptoms can range from mild to debilitating, creating disruption in everyday activities. Causes of tinnitus include exposure to loud noises, hearing loss, injury to the head or neck, blood pressure and circulation problems. Tinnitus can also be aggravated by stress. Now, some studies are pointing to allergies and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder as factors contributing to tinnitus.

·      In a study conducted by researchers at the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan in Nigeria, a review of the medical records of 85 patients with nasal allergy found 66 percent also suffered with tinnitus.

·      In a study of 20 adults in Brazil, 90% of individuals with normal hearing in the conventional frequency and suffering from tinnitus had at least one sign or symptom of temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

·      A collaborative study between researchers at the University of Regensburg, Germany and the University of Zurich in Switzerland studied 1204 tinnitus patients from the Tinnitus Research Initiative (TRI) Database. They found that one out of five tinnitus patients self-reported TMJ problems. In addition, the researchers found that tinnitus patients with TMJ complaints can modulate their tinnitus by somatic maneuvers or by music and sound more frequently than tinnitus patients without TMJ problems.

People with known allergies and suffering from tinnitus may be able to improve their tinnitus management by identifying and controlling the variables in their environment that trigger their sounds. Common irritants include air pollutants, dust, pollens, dust mites, animal fur, dander and feathers. Successful treatments for TMJ disorder include avoidance of chewing gum and chewy foods, relaxation techniques and exercises, massage, a night guard if indicated, muscle relaxants, and occasionally Botox injections into the muscles involved in jaw tension.

As researchers continue to study the causes and affects of tinnitus, there is hope that one day there may be a cure. For now, becoming aware of causative factors that trigger or worsen tinnitus, and current methods for mitigating the sound, is the best way to manage it.