HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Can Chewing Change The Frequencies Of Ringing In Ears Due To Tinnitus?

Hello, I am 41 yr old male diagnosed with tinnitus which appears to be caused by some hearing loss (ENT says this). However, I often get numb feeling in one of my ears, and also, when I chew on something tough, my ringing (which is high pitched and CONSTANT) changes frequencies. If the ringing is made up in my brain, then how is it possible that chewing makes it change frequencies and volume? And what about the numbness? I think it might be more complicated than just some hearing loss.
Tue, 29 Dec 2020
Report Abuse
General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi,

The chewing changes the pressure within the Eustachian tube being transmitted to the middle ear which has the smallest 3 bones which conduct the sound waves from eardrum to the inner ear structures. Chewing causes pressure changes in middle ear, transmitting some of the changes through bony chain hence altering the signals in the cochlear turns activating some of the hair cells related to your tinnitus hence getting enhanced or altered.

Consult a Dentist to see for any TM joint arthralgia or so and get treated for this too. Consult an ENT Surgeon again for further evaluation by MRI of mastoid and brain, Audiometry and any other tests. All these may lead to known cause to get a specific treatment.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. T. Chandrakant, General Surgeon
I find this answer helpful
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Hearing impairment


Loading Online Doctors....
Can Chewing Change The Frequencies Of Ringing In Ears Due To Tinnitus?

Hi, The chewing changes the pressure within the Eustachian tube being transmitted to the middle ear which has the smallest 3 bones which conduct the sound waves from eardrum to the inner ear structures. Chewing causes pressure changes in middle ear, transmitting some of the changes through bony chain hence altering the signals in the cochlear turns activating some of the hair cells related to your tinnitus hence getting enhanced or altered. Consult a Dentist to see for any TM joint arthralgia or so and get treated for this too. Consult an ENT Surgeon again for further evaluation by MRI of mastoid and brain, Audiometry and any other tests. All these may lead to known cause to get a specific treatment. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. T. Chandrakant, General Surgeon