I have suffered from a clicking jaw for 10 years. If I open my jaw widely it basically pops right out of the socket the click is so bad. 3 years ago whilst going through a high stress period in my life, I got a blocked ear sensation and from this point on have never been able to feel as though I have a fully cleared ear. It's like you go up a mountain and your ear needs popping, I can pop it but only to about 70% clear, so always it feels like it is not 100% 'open'/ clear...I have learnt to live with it majority of the time but lately it is bothering me more, plus my jaw/muscle tension is getting worse.
Whether this is causing my blocked ear sensation, no one can guarantee it but it is the most likely bet.
Back in ENT territory I tried prednisone, nasonex, etc. Nothing worked. Fast forward to today. After many hearing tests, different ENT visits, scans, x-rays, sleep test etc I am now seeing a unique specialist who is a fully qualified dentist, doctor and sleep therapist.
My question is whether to jump straight ahead and go for this treatment route, or if it seems overkill and to try smaller, cheaper things first?? I am highly stressed and do clench my teeth/jaw, and hold tension/stress in this area even when awake.
Apparently I grind/clench my jaw at night/when asleep. My specialist tells me all this stems from sleep problem causing my bruxism/clenching at night. His proposed treatment is:
The cost of this treatment is going to be $5,000 (to me this is a tonne of money!- but if it is the price to pay for health/success I will do it). Info I obtained: The cost is predominantly because of the orthotics. I questioned the high cost several times and was told that the devices themselves are quite cheap (couple of hundred $) but the high cost of treatment is due to all the appointments, ongoing management, etc. The specialist tells me that they generally take 2-8 weeks to be effective and I will be seeing him every 2 weeks for 4 months. There is a minor risk (10%) it could cause a permanent change but apparently that is a very long-term issue. 90% of this specialist's patients are happy with the treatment outcome. I tried to get exact info on what the name/type/function of the orthotics are but so far this is all I have found out...
I am trying to weigh up whether this is the right treatment option for me, or whether to be trying other things first such as acupuncture, botox, chiro/physio, massage, etc... or to see another specialist for a second opinion? Looking for some opinions??
Whether this is causing my blocked ear sensation, no one can guarantee it but it is the most likely bet.
Back in ENT territory I tried prednisone, nasonex, etc. Nothing worked. Fast forward to today. After many hearing tests, different ENT visits, scans, x-rays, sleep test etc I am now seeing a unique specialist who is a fully qualified dentist, doctor and sleep therapist.
My question is whether to jump straight ahead and go for this treatment route, or if it seems overkill and to try smaller, cheaper things first?? I am highly stressed and do clench my teeth/jaw, and hold tension/stress in this area even when awake.
Apparently I grind/clench my jaw at night/when asleep. My specialist tells me all this stems from sleep problem causing my bruxism/clenching at night. His proposed treatment is:
- Mouth orthotics (day and night). Daytime one will be for 3-6 months, night time one will be forever. They do not permanently reposition the jaw.
- Cold laser therapy (MLS Laser) - to heal/treat inflammation
- Nutrition, supplements, self-care management.
The cost of this treatment is going to be $5,000 (to me this is a tonne of money!- but if it is the price to pay for health/success I will do it). Info I obtained: The cost is predominantly because of the orthotics. I questioned the high cost several times and was told that the devices themselves are quite cheap (couple of hundred $) but the high cost of treatment is due to all the appointments, ongoing management, etc. The specialist tells me that they generally take 2-8 weeks to be effective and I will be seeing him every 2 weeks for 4 months. There is a minor risk (10%) it could cause a permanent change but apparently that is a very long-term issue. 90% of this specialist's patients are happy with the treatment outcome. I tried to get exact info on what the name/type/function of the orthotics are but so far this is all I have found out...
I am trying to weigh up whether this is the right treatment option for me, or whether to be trying other things first such as acupuncture, botox, chiro/physio, massage, etc... or to see another specialist for a second opinion? Looking for some opinions??
Ear blocked and clicking jaw
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