Question: Tmj,tinnitus,what is happening?i have tinnitus(right ear),tmj,teeth grinding,swollen neck (right side).i m having tinnitus after a cold.it has been 6 years since.....,when i m jumping,i feel my ear got ball inside..the ball bounds as i jump..my right ear rings only when i lie down 45 degree or when i sleep..when i wake up,the sound gone after a pop sound.what is happening actually?

Answer: Your tinnitus may have been exacerbated by an ear infection related to your cold. But your TMJ seems to be the main culprit. If you have objective tinnitus, that is observable by an audiologist, then your condition is an actual physical degradation of the structures within your ear such as those caused by a middle ear infection. The occurrence of a swollen neck and TMJ suggests that the sounds you are hearing is directly connected to your TMJ.

I suggest dental treatment or bite realignment to address the tinnitus and any chronic pain you are dealing with. Also see an otolylaryngologist for the swollen neck. You may benefit from a pharmacological approach, an anaesthetic like lidocaine (used by dentists) may be something to look into also.

There are a host of theories as to why tinnitus occurs so one cannot say what the root cause or reason for your tinnitus. And there is currently no 'cure' or standard of care. You will need a combined approach to your condition and your GP, audiologist and otolylaryngologist need to co- ordinate.