Can Wisdom Teeth Cause Tinnitus?
January 5, 2024 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
There isn’t a direct or well-established connection between wisdom teeth and tinnitus, which is the perception of ringing, buzzing, or other sounds in the ears without any external source. Tinnitus is often associated with issues related to the inner ear, auditory nerves, or certain medical conditions.
However, in rare cases, there might be an indirect association between dental issues, including impacted wisdom teeth, and tinnitus. Dental problems or conditions that lead to inflammation, infections, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders in the jaw area could potentially affect the nerves or muscles around the ear, possibly contributing to tinnitus or exacerbating existing tinnitus symptoms.
For example, if impacted wisdom teeth cause inflammation or infections in the surrounding gums or jaw, this might lead to referred pain or discomfort that radiates to the ear area. While this may not directly cause tinnitus, it could potentially trigger or worsen existing tinnitus symptoms in some individuals.
It’s important to note that tinnitus has various potential causes, including age-related hearing loss, exposure to loud noises, ear infections, certain medications, underlying health conditions, and sometimes, the exact cause remains unknown (idiopathic).
If you’re experiencing tinnitus or have concerns about the relationship between your wisdom teeth and any ear-related symptoms, it’s advisable to consult with both a dentist and an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist or audiologist for a comprehensive evaluation. They can assess your dental health, perform a thorough examination of your ears, and determine the underlying cause of your tinnitus or any related symptoms to provide appropriate guidance and treatment options.