Dear Colleagues,
A patient presents with a persistent sensation of ear fullness and pressure. ENT evaluation is normal and medications have not helped. The symptoms come and go—and no clear diagnosis has been made.
In many of these cases, the source is not the ear.
The Overlooked Source
The jaw muscles and TMJ can contribute directly to ear symptoms due to their close anatomic and neurologic relationship to the ear.
Patients with increased muscle tension or joint loading may report:
- Fullness or pressure
- A “blocked” or congested sensation
- Intermittent discomfort without clear ear findings
What the Data Shows
- Approximately 30–50% of patients with TMD report ear-related symptoms
- Many patients with unexplained ear complaints have an underlying TMJ component
- Addressing the jaw often leads to meaningful symptom improvement
A Practical Clinical Clue
These patients often report:
- Symptoms that worsen with chewing or prolonged talking
- Morning jaw tightness or fatigue
- A history of clenching or grinding
- They may not describe “pain,” but rather pressure, fullness, or tightness.
Clinical Takeaway
Not all ear symptoms are ear problems.
When ear fullness or pressure persists with normal ENT findings, the TMJ and surrounding musculature should be considered.
WatchPAT One
Dr. Doneskey is happy to announce that a new home sleep test (HST) is now being offered in his office. The WatchPAT One disposable sleep test offers patients convenience and efficiency in getting their results. The WatchPAT device technology not only records true sleep time but also stages of sleep (light/deep/REM). It is also the simplest home sleep test for patients to use as it does not require an abdominal or nasal monitor. The results of the study determine if future investigation is needed (full PSG). For more information, please give our office a call at any time.
The SilentPartner Oral Appliance
is a patented, FDA-approved oral sleep appliance that was developed by Dr. Doneskey and partners to effectively manage snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. In addition to this, the SilentPartner™ can also manage many TMD-related issues, including TMJ popping, locking, and grinding. Healthy jaw-friendly function, patient comfort, single-point balance, and fast complete adjustability are at the heart of its design. The appliance is customized for each individual patient while its patented mechanism makes ongoing clinical adjustments simpler and much more convenient than other oral sleep appliances on the market today. The SilentPartner™ provides patients with a convenient and comfortable alternative to CPAP therapy with the additional important benefit of effectively preventing clenching and grinding on back teeth, both of which can be secondary sleep disorders seen in most sleep apnea patients.