Other accompanying symptoms

If ear noises come from the cervical spine or jaw, additional symptoms to the ear noises may occur. These can be local symptoms such as neck pain, sensitivity to pressure, loss of mobility in the cervical spine, pain points in the muscles and tension headaches. On the other hand, secondary symptoms can also occur.

These include pain in the upper extremity, e.g. in the shoulder or arm, sensory disturbances in certain areas of the shoulder and arm, or motor deficits in the muscles supplied by nerves leaving the cervical spine. Especially when the blood flow through the vertebral artery is restricted, balance problems or visual disturbances can also occur, since these areas of the central nervous system are also supplied with blood by branches of the vertebral artery. If the temporomandibular joint is involved, toothache, pain in the temple and cheek area or a cracking in the jaw when the mouth is opened or closed can be accompanying symptoms of ringing in the ears.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of ringing in the ears begins with a precise anamnesis, i.e. a recording of the patient’s medical history. In the case of ear noises caused by the cervical spine, middle and inner ear damage should be reliably ruled out. This is done by the ENT physician through a physical examination of the ear, throat and nasopharynx and certain hearing tests, such as the audiogram.

The orthopedist should carry out a detailed examination of the cervical spine, including checking mobility, stability and muscle status, while the orthodontist carries out an examination of the temporomandibular joint. Psychological factors should also be clarified and taken seriously, especially in the case of chronic ringing in the ears. The cause of frequent or long-term noises in the ear should always be clarified by a doctor.They are not always triggered by the cervical spine and can also have other causes that require specific treatment.

If ear noises are caused by changes in the cervical spine, they can be treated physiotherapeutically. Therapy should always be based on the findings, as there are a number of different changes in the cervical spine that can cause noises in the ear. After a precise diagnostic assessment, an individual therapy plan can be drawn up.

In most cases, physiotherapy is used in the case of changes in the cervical spine to restore the physiological mobility of the cervical spine. For this purpose, mobilizing techniques, e.g. from manual therapy, can be used to treat the joints of the cervical spine in a targeted manner. Traction treatment can also help.

Here, the joint surfaces are loosened and mobilized by a light traction. If there is ringing in the ears due to chronic changes in the cervical spine caused by poor posture, postural correction and postural training should be carried out. The patient should be shown exercises for stretching shortened muscles and a training program should be set up and carried out regularly to train weak muscles.

In addition, passive techniques for treating the connective tissue and muscles can be used in physiotherapy, such as fascial techniques and trigger point therapy. Electrotherapy or the application of tapes can also supplement the treatment of changes in the cervical spine and ear noises. In case of a disorder of the temporomandibular joint, a so-called craniomandibular dysfunction, a dental examination of the jaw and teeth should be performed.

CMD treatment can also be carried out by physiotherapists with appropriate training. Here the temporomandibular joint can be mobilized and tense muscles can be loosened. Often this form of therapy is helpful for ear noises, which are also caused by the jaw.