The TMJ are the joints that connect your jaw to your skull on each side of your head just below your ears. Acting as a sliding hinge, moving side to side, up and down, and back and forth, they enable you to chew, talk, yawn, and more. Due to overuse, when injured, or when certain medical conditions affect your TMJ, TMD-related inflammation, pain, and swelling can wreak havoc on your quality of life. The pain and discomfort of TMD is not surprising when you consider how often you use these complex joints.

What are the symptoms of ear pain from TMJ?

The maxillofacial region, which includes the TMJs, is immensely complex and closely interconnected. Just think about the many different facial expressions you can make and the many ways you can move your jaw and mouth. The intricate system of muscles, joints, and other tissues of the maxillofacial region make all this possible. You can click here to learn about the basics of your TMJ and how it functions. This intricacy also means TMJ disorders (TMD) can cause pain and other complications across the face. Since your ears are located less than a half an inch from your TMJs, this includes ear pain. Symptoms of ear pain from TMJ Ear pain might be a dull, ongoing irritation or it could be a sharp, searing pain. The pain may worsen with jaw movement, although not always. Inflammation and swelling due to TMD can spread to the ear causing ear pain. Additionally, straining the muscles connected to the TMJ can result in ear pain as well as tension headaches and pain behind the eyes. By addressing the TMJ disorder, you may be able to address pain in your ears and elsewhere. If your ear pain is the result of a TMJ disorder, treatments that target only the ear, or ear infections, may be ineffective.

What are the causes of ear pain due to TMJ?

Inflammation in the TMJ As with any joint in your body, when the TMJ is overused, injured, or are afflicted with a chronic condition such as osteoarthritis, it and the muscles around it can become inflamed. Generally speaking, inflammation is the body’s immune system’s response to an irritant. Although the inflammation originates in the TMJ, it can spread to tissues and muscles surrounding the area, including the ear. Swelling in the TMJ Swelling and inflammation usually go hand-in-hand, and blood flow to an affected area increases with inflammation. This can result in a buildup of fluid not only inside the TMJ, but in surrounding tissues. This buildup causes swelling, signified by an increase in the size or a change in the shape of the affected area. Overuse putting pressure on the TMJ The TMJ is one of the hardest-working joints in your body. You use it to talk, eat and drink, yawn, and even when you open your mouth to breathe or sigh. Overuse and subtle muscle spasms caused by teeth grinding (bruxism) and clenching, and repetitive actions such as chewing gum, puts extra pressure on the TMJ. This may result in inflammation and swelling. Pain and tenderness in the TMJ due to overuse can radiate to surrounding tissues, including the ears. Stress Being under stress can cause you to clench and/or grind your teeth which puts extra strain and pressure on your TMJs. These actions can cause stress-induced TMJ disorder. Presence of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the TMJ Osteoarthritis is the most common form of degenerative arthritis. It can affect every joint in the body, including the TMJ. Osteoarthritis of the TMJ affects both the hard and soft tissues around the TMJ, changing the shape and functioning of the jaw. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, autoimmune disease. It attacks the lining of the TMJ causing it to become inflamed and damaging the joint tissue.

Do I have an ear infection or TMJ related ear pain?

To properly diagnose whether your ear pain is the result of an infection or TMJ disorder-related, you should consult a medical professional. However, be aware there are some important differences between the two types of pain. TMJ-related ear pain is most often felt in front of or below the ear. With ear infections, the pain is often inside the ear. If the pain sharpens when you move your mouth, this may also indicate a TMJ disorder is resulting in ear pain. Also, check for the TMJ disorder symptoms below, or see our TMJ disorder symptoms page. Often, it’s best to first rule out ear infections. A quick visual inspection is usually enough to diagnose these infections. With TMJ disorders, the most effective way to diagnose a problem is with a Cone Beam CT Scan, which produces a 3-D image of your jaw joint, combined with a physical examination of a doctor experienced in orofacial pain and TMD.

What are some of the other symptoms of TMD?

While many people rightly associate jaw pain with TMJ disorders (TMD), the nature of the temporomandibular joint means pain can turn up elsewhere, including the ears. In fact, ear pain is one of the most common symptoms of TMD. Likewise, the most common cause of ear pain in adults is TMD, not ear infection. Other symptoms of TMD include: Jaw pain Headaches Clicking or Popping sounds when moving the jaw Locked jaw or limited range of motion Ear fullness Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) Pain behind the eyes Neck and shoulder pain Other orofacial pain

What treatments exist for ear pain associated with TMJ?

Fortunately, it is possible to both diagnose and treat TMJ disorders. It’s important to seek professional help if you are suffering from a TMD as the disorders are easy to misdiagnose and mistreat. Further, each TMD will require its own treatment plan. While cases may be similar, they are never identical. Let’s look at some of the more effective types of treatments . Home Exercises and Stretches for TMJ There are a variety of home exercises and stretches that you can perform to strengthen your jaw and the connecting muscles. Over time, this could provide pain relief. One of the simple things you can do to relieve TMJ pain is practice holding your lips together while keeping your teeth separated. In this position, the TMJ isn’t engaged. Stretching exercises such as those below also help with pain relief. Close your mouth. With your head facing straight ahead, glance to the right with your eyes only. Extend your lower jaw to the left and hold for 5-10 seconds. Repeat on the opposite side. With your shoulders back, chest up, and jaw relaxed, pull your chin straight back, creating a “double chin.” Hold for three seconds and repeat 10 times. Touch your tongue to the roof of your mouth, then slowly open and close your mouth. Slowly open your mouth as wide as you comfortably can while holding your tongue in a neutral position. Hold in place for 5 to 10 seconds. Close your mouth then open it again slightly. Gently glide your jaw back and forth five to 10 times. Additionally, you can gently massage your TMJ and the surrounding muscles. A hot or cold compress can provide immediate relief. And if you’re eating hard, crunchy foods, it’s time to change your diet. Opt for softer, easier to chew foods that won’t strain your joints and muscles. If you want to massage your TMJ or use strength-building exercises, it’s smart to talk to a professional. He or she will be able to teach you how to perform these exercises appropriately.

When should you see a medical professional for TMJ ear pain?

Seek attention from a TMJ medical expert such as Dr. Katherine Phillips if you have persistent pain or tenderness in your jaw, which may be accompanied by ear pain and other symptoms. Untreated or undertreated TMD can lead to a host of long-term issues, including blocked eustachian tubes and possibly hearing loss. Your TMJ specialist can discuss possible causes and treatments for your problem

How do doctors diagnose ear / TMJ related jaw pain issues?

TMJ disorders are often difficult to diagnose because the symptoms can mimic those of other medical conditions. Due to this, many sufferers go undiagnosed or underdiagnosed for years until they see a TMJ expert. TMJ dentists take a detailed medical and dental history, and examine problem areas. Signs of overuse, such as worn down and cracked teeth due to grinding, will also be evaluated. As previously mentioned, a quick visual inspection is usually enough to rule out an ear infection. Diagnostics usually include imaging, such as advanced 3-D Cone Beam CT imaging or digital X-rays. When seeing your TMJ dentist, keep in mind: Recent dental surgeries. Lengthy dental work that requires your mouth to be open wide for extended periods of time can cause or aggravate TMD. Illnesses. Other health problems that coexist with TMJ disorders, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep disturbances, or fibromyalgia. Injuries. Just like other joints in your body, the TMJ can be injured which may lead to TMD. Changes to your mental health, such as stress, anxiety, or depression. When you are anxious, depressed, or stressed out, you may unknowingly tense up, clench your jaw, and even grind and gnash your teeth at night (bruxism). This puts extra pressure on your hard-working TMJs, resulting in over-use which can lead to pain and tenderness in the area and the joint itself. Your dentist will examine your jaw, looking for the following: Listen to your jaw. Damaged cartilage tissue can cause a popping sound and clicking sounds in the TMJ. Feel your jaw and around your face. Swelling along your jaw and throughout your lower face is a symptom of TMD. It can occur on one or both sides. Look in your ears. Checking inside the ears helps rule out an ear infection. Examine your mouth. Cracked and worn down teeth are signs of bruxism (teeth clenching and grinding), which can cause TMD due to overuse.

Can TMJ disorders cause ear fullness and/or pressure as well?

TMJ disorders can result in a sensation of pressure or fullness in the ear, as well as other conditions such as tinnitus (ringing in the ears). The causes may include nerve irritation and changes at the base of the skull, or dysfunction in the muscles of the neck associated with TMD.

Can TMJ issues affect your hearing?

TMJ disorders may affect your hearing. It’s thought that pressure or inflammation from the TMJ can affect nerves and muscles in the area, leading to blocked eustachian tubes. When fluid cannot properly drain from the middle ear, it may result in difficulty hearing.

Is my TMJ related ear pain permanent?

Ear pain due to TMD does not need to be permanent. Successfully treating the causes of TMD and effectively managing TMD flare-ups can reduce TMJ pain and inflammation. This can reduce or eliminate any associated pain in surrounding tissues, including the ear.

Can the TMJ cause swelling behind or under the ear?

TMJ pain that radiates to ear pain is most often felt in front of or below the ear instead of inside the ear. This is because the TMJ is located below and just in front of the ear.

Does clenching my jaw cause ear pain?

Jaw clenching puts pressure on the muscles, tissues, and other structures around your jaw, including the TMJ. Excess stress on the TMJ can cause TMD, resulting in inflammation and swelling which can affect areas surrounding the TMJ, including the ear.

TMJ and Ear Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Q: Why it's important to work with a TMJ specialist.

TMJ disorders can be extremely complex. The symptoms are often diverse and vary from case-to-case. So too does the underlying cause. A treatment plan that addresses the TMD in one patient won’t necessarily treat the pain in another patient. If you are suffering from ear aches and exhibiting TMD symptoms, you should consider working with a professional. He or she may be able to: Provide physical therapy Teach you how to perform strength-building exercises Prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxants Build custom bite orthotics to realign the jaw and reduce stress on the jaw joint complex. In some cases, surgery may be required or other treatment plans will have to be devised. Lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking, may also help. A TMJ disorder specialist can work with you to develop an effective treatment plan that will resolve your disorder and provide pain relief.

Close up of man wincing in pain and holding both hands to his jaw from TMJ.

Updated on 12/19/25

TMJ-related ear pain occurs because the temporomandibular joints sit just in front of the ears and share many of the same nerves and muscles. When these joints become strained, inflamed, or misaligned—from teeth grinding, stress, injury, or arthritis—the resulting pressure and nerve irritation can cause pain, fullness, tinnitus, or even dizziness that feels like it’s coming from the ear. Since these symptoms often mimic ear infections, accurate diagnosis is key. A TMJ specialist can pinpoint the true source of discomfort and create a personalized treatment plan—combining bite therapy, muscle relaxation, and joint stabilization—to relieve pain and restore healthy, balanced jaw function.

At Restore TMJ & Sleep Therapy, patients suffering from ear pain benefit from a team whose entire focus is the diagnosis and treatment of temporomandibular disorders and related pain conditions.Dr. Katherine S. Phillips and Dr. YC Joseph FischerHahm are highly trained in orofacial pain, dental sleep medicine, and the complex biomechanics of the jaw, giving them a deep understanding of how TMJ dysfunction can affect everything from ear comfort to overall facial health. The expertise of Dr. Phillips and Dr. FischerHahm allows them to identify even subtle TMJ issues, provide accurate diagnoses, and design comprehensive, noninvasive treatment plans that restore balance, function, and long-term relief, and with advanced imaging technology, evidence-based techniques, and years of specialized experience, our team can deliver precise, compassionate care that patients can trust.

The Connection Between the TMJ and Your Ears

The temporomandibular joints (TMJs) are two hinge-sliding joints, one on each side of your face, connecting the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull just in front of each ear. These joints enable the jaw to move up and down, side to side, and forward and back, allowing you to chew, speak, yawn, and move your mouth.

Because the TMJs sit so near the ear canal, and because the muscles, ligaments, nerves, and tissue in this region interconnect, dysfunction in the TMJ (TMD) can easily manifest as ear-related symptoms. The overlapping nerve pathways, shared musculature, and anatomical proximity mean that when something goes wrong with the TMJ, your ear can feel it, even when nothing is wrong with the ear itself.

How TMJ Disorders Cause Ear Pain

When your TMJ isn’t working the way it should, inflammation and muscle tension can develop around the joint, leading to a TMJ disorder, or TMD. Since the TMJ sits just millimeters away from the ear, this irritation can spread or “refer” pain to the nearby ear structures.

Here are the main ways TMJ problems can cause ear pain:

Inflammation and swelling. When the joint becomes inflamed—often from overuse, injury, arthritis, or grinding—pressure builds up in nearby tissues. Because the ear and jaw share the same space, that inflammation can cause ear pain or pressure.
Shared nerve pathways. The same nerves that sense movement and pain in your jaw also branch into the ear region. When these nerves are irritated near the TMJ, your brain can interpret the signal as ear pain.
Muscle strain. The chewing muscles (like the masseter and temporalis) attach near the ears. Constant clenching or grinding can tighten and fatigue these muscles, causing soreness that radiates toward the ear.
Pressure changes. The TMJ also interacts with muscles that help control the Eustachian tubes, the small passages that balance air pressure inside your middle ear. When those muscles are tight or inflamed, it can lead to a sense of fullness, pressure, or mild hearing changes.

TMJ disorders can also cause more than just pain. Because of the joint’s position and how closely it interacts with ear structures, many patients may also experience:

Ear fullness or pressure, a “plugged” or “underwater” sensation that doesn’t improve with yawning or swallowing.
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears), a constant or occasional ringing, buzzing, or whooshing sounds.
Dizziness or imbalance. TMJ inflammation can sometimes disrupt how the ear processes balance, leading to lightheadedness or vertigo.
Hearing changes. In rare cases, inflammation can affect how sound travels through the middle ear, leading to muffled or reduced hearing.

These symptoms can come and go or vary in intensity. They may flare up during stressful periods, after long dental appointments, or during times when jaw clenching or grinding is worse.

What TMJ-Related Ear Pain Feels Like

TMJ-related ear pain can feel surprisingly different from a typical earache. Because the jaw joint sits just in front of the ear and shares many of the same nerves and muscles, pain from TMJ disorders often radiates into the ear area, or even feels like it’s coming from inside the ear itself. The discomfort can range from dull pressure to sharp, shooting pain and may change with jaw movement. Understanding these patterns can help you recognize when your ear pain is really coming from your jaw.

Ear pain from TMJ disorders can vary widely, but common sensations and patterns are described as:

A dull ache or pressure just in front of or below the ear, rather than deep inside.
Pain that gets worse when chewing, yawning, talking, or clenching your jaw.
A sharp or stabbing sensation that comes and goes.
Tenderness when pressing near the jaw joint.
Pain that spreads to the temple, behind the eyes, down the neck, or into the shoulders.

You might also notice clicking, popping, or stiffness when moving your jaw, or find that your bite feels slightly “off.” Headaches and facial pain are also common companions to TMJ-related ear discomfort.

Why TMJ Ear Pain Can Be Difficult to Diagnose

TMJ-related ear pain is often mistaken for an ear infection or sinus issue. The ear and jaw share so many nerve connections that pain from the TMJ can feel almost identical to ear pain.

To make things more confusing, ear exams for patients with TMJ disorders usually look perfectly normal—there’s no infection, fluid, or damage to the eardrum. That’s why people often bounce between ENT and dental visits before the true cause is identified.

If your “ear pain” tends to worsen when you move your jaw or chew, or if you’ve had recurring ear discomfort without infection, your TMJ could be the real source

Why It’s Important to Work with a TMJ Specialist to Treat Your TMJ-Related Ear Pain

TMJ disorders are complex. They can involve muscles, ligaments, joint alignment, bite position, posture, and even stress, and because every patient’s situation is different, treatment has to be personalized.

Working with a TMJ specialist—like Dr. Katherine S. Phillips at Restore TMJ & Sleep Therapy—ensures that your care starts with the right diagnosis. TMJ specialists look at how your jaw moves, how your bite fits together, and how tension patterns in your head and neck might be contributing to your symptoms.

When you see a TMJ specialist like Dr. Phillips for your TMJ-related ear pain, you’re more likely to experience:

A more accurate diagnosis, avoiding unnecessary antibiotics or ear treatments that won’t help.
Faster relief, because addressing the root cause—jaw misalignment, muscle tension, or inflammation—provides real improvement.
Comprehensive care., since TMJ specialists understand how dental health, bite alignment, posture, and sleep all contribute to jaw function.
Long-term prevention, because once your jaw is stabilized and pain-free, your provider can help you maintain those results through ongoing care and lifestyle adjustments.

Developing a Treatment Plan for Your TMJ-Related Ear Pain

Dr. Phillips uses advanced diagnostic tools such as 3D Cone Beam CT imaging and a detailed physical exam to pinpoint the exact source of your discomfort. This allows her to design a treatment plan that targets the root cause, not just the symptoms.

Most patients with TMJ-related ear pain find relief through conservative, non-surgical care, but your personalized treatment plan may include:

1. At-home adjustments, such as:

Eating softer foods and avoiding excessive chewing (like gum or tough meats).
Using warm compresses to ease muscle tension and improve circulation.
Performing gentle jaw stretches and relaxation exercises to reduce strain.
Practicing good jaw posture (keeping your lips closed but teeth slightly apart).

2. Professional therapies, such as:

Custom bite orthotics (splint therapy), specially fitted oral appliances that help realign the jaw and reduce nighttime clenching or grinding.
Physical therapy, targeted exercises and massage techniques to relax tight muscles, improve mobility, and correct posture.
Medications. Anti-inflammatory or muscle-relaxing prescriptions may be used temporarily to calm flare-ups.
Stress management. Because stress and anxiety often trigger jaw tension, relaxation training or counseling may also be helpful.

3. Advanced care, if needed.

For more severe or chronic cases, Dr. Phillips may recommend additional therapies, such as:

In-office trigger-point or joint injections to reduce inflammation.
Ultrasound or laser therapy to relieve muscle tension.
Collaboration with your ENT or other specialists if tinnitus, dizziness, or ear pressure are significant.

Surgery is rarely needed and is only considered after conservative treatments have failed and imaging confirms a structural joint problem.

When to See a TMJ Specialist for Your Ear Pain

You should consider scheduling a TMJ evaluation if you experience:

Persistent ear pain or pressure with no infection
Jaw clicking, popping, or stiffness
Frequent headaches or facial pain
Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears)
Dizziness, neck pain, or jaw fatigue
Ear fullness that doesn’t respond to traditional ear treatments

TMJ-related ear pain can impact everything from your comfort to your concentration and sleep quality, but the good news is that the right care can make a life-changing difference.

Find Relief from Your TMJ-Related Ear Pain at Restore TMJ & Sleep Therapy in The Woodlands

If you’re struggling with persistent ear pain, pressure, or ringing that other treatments haven’t resolved, the specialists at Restore TMJ & Sleep Therapy can help. Led by Dr. Katherine S. Phillips and Dr. YC Joseph FischerHahm, our team brings advanced training and extensive experience in orofacial pain, TMJ disorders, and dental sleep medicine, a rare combination of expertise that allows us to identify the true source of your symptoms and deliver precise, lasting relief. Using state-of-the-art diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and a compassionate, patient-centered approach, we’ve helped thousands of patients overcome TMJ-related pain and reclaim their quality of life.

If you’re experiencing ear pain, don’t wait to start feeling better. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward lasting relief from TMJ-related ear pain.

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Medical Reviewer: Dr. Katherine Phillips, DDS, MS

About The Author

Dr. Katherine Phillips, DDS, MS received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and her dental degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. She currently serves as the Secretary/Treasurer on the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine (ABDSM) Board of Directors and treats TMD and sleep disordered breathing at Restore TMJ & Sleep Therapy in the Houston, TX area.

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