Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
I Have A High-pitched Sound Coming Out Of My Ear
Question: I have a high-pitched sound coming out of my ear when I open my mouth to the extreme and I particularly notice it while chewing, yawning and brushing my teeth. I also have some fullness when my jaw is still and when I move my head sideways in one direction. These symptoms have now been troubling me for more than a year. I have previously seen an ENT doctor who thought there was mucus lodged in the eustachian tube but surely it should have cleared by now. My GP recently said that it was due to Costen Syndome as a result of the jaw joint dysfunction. What could be causing it and how can it be treated please?
Brief Answer:
Please see the detailed answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Tinnitus is the condition where people may experience high pitched sound like you in one or both ears. It is a common problem that can affect around 15-20 % of people in their lifetime. It usually isn't a sign of something serious. It can worsen with age. Again, it can improve with treatment.
The common cause of tinnitus is inner ear hair cell damage, age-related tinnitus, exposure to loud noise for a long time, earwax blockage, ear bone changes. Other less common causes are temporomandibular joint disorders or Costen's syndrome, high blood pressure, blood vessels disorder like atherosclerosis, head and neck tumors, anemia, etc.
Your occupational history is important. As you have already visited an ENT specialist, so MRI of the brain, CBC, ECG, ECHO, etc can exclude the other causes.
Treatment depends on causes. Above mentioned investigations will help to find out the exact causes of your tinnitus and then treat them accordingly.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam,
General And Family Physician,
Please see the detailed answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Tinnitus is the condition where people may experience high pitched sound like you in one or both ears. It is a common problem that can affect around 15-20 % of people in their lifetime. It usually isn't a sign of something serious. It can worsen with age. Again, it can improve with treatment.
The common cause of tinnitus is inner ear hair cell damage, age-related tinnitus, exposure to loud noise for a long time, earwax blockage, ear bone changes. Other less common causes are temporomandibular joint disorders or Costen's syndrome, high blood pressure, blood vessels disorder like atherosclerosis, head and neck tumors, anemia, etc.
Your occupational history is important. As you have already visited an ENT specialist, so MRI of the brain, CBC, ECG, ECHO, etc can exclude the other causes.
Treatment depends on causes. Above mentioned investigations will help to find out the exact causes of your tinnitus and then treat them accordingly.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam,
General And Family Physician,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
I hear a high-pitched sound when I open my mouth but also there is fullness in the ear while the jaw is still. Could that still mean I have a temporomandibular joint disorder? Does it always disappear with the correct treatment? Many thanks.
Brief Answer:
Please see the detailed answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for joining again.
Ear pain or fullness and tinnitus or ringing a high pitched sound in the ear can be caused by nerve irritation from Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ).
TMJ shares some nerves and ligaments with the ear. So, any swelling and inflammation of the jaw joint usually directly affects the ear. Studies have shown that 50% of patients with TMJ problems are more likely to suffer from tinnitus. A dentist can treat TMJ disorders and help to subside tinnitus eventually.
Usually, tinnitus is disappeared with the correct treatment. But it is most important to find out the exact causes of tinnitus. Some investigations like X-ray, CT scan, or MRI of that particular area may help to find out any abnormalities of your temporomandibular joint.
Consult your dentist promptly for medical attention.
Take care.
Hope I have answered your questions.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam,
General and Family Physician
Please see the detailed answer below.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for joining again.
Ear pain or fullness and tinnitus or ringing a high pitched sound in the ear can be caused by nerve irritation from Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ).
TMJ shares some nerves and ligaments with the ear. So, any swelling and inflammation of the jaw joint usually directly affects the ear. Studies have shown that 50% of patients with TMJ problems are more likely to suffer from tinnitus. A dentist can treat TMJ disorders and help to subside tinnitus eventually.
Usually, tinnitus is disappeared with the correct treatment. But it is most important to find out the exact causes of tinnitus. Some investigations like X-ray, CT scan, or MRI of that particular area may help to find out any abnormalities of your temporomandibular joint.
Consult your dentist promptly for medical attention.
Take care.
Hope I have answered your questions.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam,
General and Family Physician
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. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
