A well made occlusal appliance can eliminate bruxism and clenching. The above statement is from my personal observation and report from my patients. Literature probably says something differently. It's my consistent observation that patients report jaw muscle relaxation shortly after the appliance is put on the mouth. Seeing a competent tmj specialist is advised.
Ok thank you hopefully I can get all this figured out and taken care of when I see the ENT. You said before that in your practice you use Occlusal appliance therapy, I'm guessing this stops clenching and grinding people do at night while they sleep. Does this then cause the jaw muscles and jaw to go to how it used to be eventually or does it mainly just keep from the problems getting worse? Thank you so much for your help it means a lot to me, I look forward to your reply!
Your question is best answered by ENT. If diminished hearing is caused by tinnitus,and if tinnitus is caused by myofascial trigger point pathology of pterygoid and/or masseter muscle, successful treatment of tmd may eliminate tinnitus.
Thank you for your very helpful comment. I have an appointment with an ENT in a couple weeks once the semester is over, I plan on getting this all checked out thoroughly because I want to nip this in the bud and not let it get worse. With whatever treatment I end up getting is it possible for my jaw to go back to normal and my diminished hearing and other problems to go away or am I now stuck with diminished hearing and everything else I have because of TMJ? If you could answer these questions I would greatly appreciate it and again thank you for all your help, you have been very helpful!
Although ear symptoms ,such as stuffy ear, fullness sensation, tinnitus, are commonly associated with temporomandibular disorder, thorough exam by an ENT is essential . Occlusal appliance therapy is a highly effective treatment modality in my practice.If you can not afford to see a tmj specialist, placing a piece of cotton roll between your front teeth may temporarily help relieve tmj associated symptoms. I personally do'nt believe jaw muscle excercise yields long term effect.