Tinnitus

Tinnitus – Origin and Treatment Options

As part of a case study during my Master’s degree in Osteopathy at the University of Applied Sciences in Fribourg, I explored the topic of tinnitus. During my first internship, one particular case truly inspired me. It involved a patient suffering from somatic tinnitus, describing a one-sided tone in her ear that was triggered by certain head positions or stress. After just a single osteopathic treatment, the patient was completely symptom-free.

Do you also know that annoying sound in your ear? Then read on!

First, a definition: What is somatic tinnitus?

Tinnitus describes a subjective perception of a sound or noise in the ear that is not generated externally, most commonly described as ringing or buzzing. Globally, 15–20% of the population are affected by this phenomenon. It is well known that this constant sound in the ear leads to a significant reduction in the quality of life for 1–3% of those affected. 

Causes of somatic tinnitus and its symptoms

Tinnitus has various origins. The somatic tinnitus described here originates from dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system. Consequently, an ENT medical examination will show no disease or damage to the auditory pathway.

Due to neurological, myogenic, vascular, and anatomical connections of the temporomandibular joint (specifically the temporalis muscle, masseter muscle, lateral pterygoid muscle, and the sphenomandibular ligament), the craniocervical junction, and the muscles of the shoulder girdle with the ear or the auditory pathway, functional disorders in these areas can lead to somatic tinnitus. Often, somatic tinnitus is accompanied by pain in the aforementioned regions or is modulated by certain movements.

Henry Vandyke Carter creator QS:P170,Q955620 Henry Gray creator QS:P170,Q40319, Gray907, marked as public domain, details on Wikimedia Commons

A typical symptom pattern of somatic tinnitus looks like this:
Perception of a unilateral tinnitus with no ENT findings and no specific trigger. Usually, there is additional pain in the temporomandibular joint or in the neck-shoulder girdle area. The somatic tinnitus can often be modulated by certain head positions and/or stress.

Henry Vandyke Carter creator QS:P170,Q955620 Henry Gray creator QS:P170,Q40319, Gray915, marked as public domain, details on Wikimedia Commons

The role of osteopathy and physiotherapy in treating somatic tinnitus

Through a precise assessment and targeted treatment of the affected areas, we can help patients with somatic tinnitus here at Bodylab Osteopathy and Physiotherapy.
Using myofascial techniques, mobilizations, and thrusts (mobilization with impulse), we restore the physiological function of the affected structures. This directly results in the disappearance of the tinnitus.

HenryHenry Vandyke Carter creator QS:P170,Q955620 Henry Gray creator QS:P170,Q40319, Gray906, marked as public domain, details on Wikimedia Commons

An essential part of the treatment is also educating and instructing patients on the origin and trigger mechanisms of their tinnitus. With their extensive knowledge of the human body's processes and interactions, the therapists at BodyLab Zurich provide crucial insights, helping you become aware of and effectively counteract the triggering issue.

Research

According to current studies, clinical examinations and treatments should focus primarily on the head, neck, jaw, and shoulder girdle areas, as well as the surrounding muscles, structures, and fascia, with special attention to the craniocervical junction, masticatory muscles, and the sphenomandibular ligament (SML).
The prevalence of temporomandibular joint dysfunction in patients with somatic tinnitus is around 30%.

If the somatic tinnitus and its associated dysfunction are diagnosed correctly, osteopathic or physiotherapeutic treatment can lead to outstanding therapeutic success.
However, the classification, examination, and treatment of tinnitus remain a subject of debate. Currently, NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) is developing a guideline for "Tinnitus assessment and management," which is expected to be published in 2020.

This blog post was written by our intern Anita Jost (MSc Ost candidate). If you are interested, you can find Anita Jost's complete study, including the bibliography, at this link.

Whenever you need us, we are here for you!

Your BodyLab Team, your specialists for somatic tinnitus

Osteopathy and Physiotherapy | Rehabilitation and Training

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Cover Image Credits

Henry Vandyke Carter creator QS:P170,Q955620 Henry Gray creator QS:P170,Q40319, Gray907, marked as public domain, details on Wikimedia Commons