Popping and Clicking Jaw — TMD and Tinnitus

Hi, a couple of years ago I had a blocked ear due to ear wax. Got it sorted and the ringing continued for a couple of months after. It eventually faded so much that I could only hear it ever so slightly whilst in complete silence.

Anyway, fast forward to last Monday. I've had a clicking jaw for as long as I can remember. No pain, just clicks and pops when I eat and yawn. Think it's because of when I had braces since I was about 16.

I've also been able to do this thing when I squeeze my eyes closed tight and something in my left ear clicks. This doesn't happen all the time, just sometimes when I'm tired or under the weather I find.

Not sure what it is that actually clicks. Done it for years and never had a problems.

Last Monday I did this a couple of times and since then I've had really loud ringing, from what sounds like my left ear.

Not sure if this is what's caused the problem. I've always had this jaw popping as well so not sure how either could cause the spike considering I've done nothing out the ordinary.

Any advice please? I know it's only been a week but does any one have any knowledge of this or advice.

Thanks.

 

Headphones, concerts, bars, clubs?

 

No nothing like that. Not in the last couple of months at least.

Only thing I can think of a cause is the eyes/clicking thing. I also slept on my jaw a bit awkwardly as well but I've done that so many times before, it makes me wonder, why would it cause a spike now?

Is it possible that I'm overthinking it and focusing on the sound making it seem louder than it is?

 

This is caused by Tensor tympani muscle contractions that lighten sounds produced by chewing, flexing jaw muscles or when yawning. Sound can be heard when eyes are closed tight when jaw muscles are tensed or with yawning.

What to do about this: Not closing eyes tight might help, but relaxing your jaw muscles by holding a warm washcloth against your cheek in front of your earlobe should help.

Update: Found article that explains some of this.
Tensor Tympani: Why Closing The Eyes Tightly Causes Crackling In Ears? (scienceabc.com)