A member asked:

Ent and audiologist say ears are fine but i can't clear them when i fly. worse on descent. ent says tmj. can tmj cause ears to block when flying?

9 doctors weighed in across 5 answers
Dr. John McMahan answered

Specializes in ENT - Head & Neck Surgery

Optic Fullness: Allergies, sinusitis, deviated septums all can cause your ears to block with altitude changes. I am not aware that TMJ issues can cause this problem.

Answered 4/15/2016

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Dr. Mark Loury answered

Specializes in ENT and Head and Neck Surgery

May be referred: Typically eustachian problems are worsened during descent especially if cold or allergies at same time. If during flight you can get ears to pop but ears feel the same then could be referred from TMJ especially if chew gum or clench teeth during flight. Consider oral sudafed and afrin (oxymetazoline) spray before next flight and see if that helps.Tmj a common cause of ears feeling plugged but doesn't block them.

Answered 3/22/2015

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Dr. Jeffrey Bassman answered

Specializes in Dentistry

Possibly but...: Tmj/tmd can contribute to ear muffling, ringing, pain, hearing loss. It usually is not the only trigger, but it would be advisable to see a tmj/tmd specialist and get a thorough history and exam.

Answered 1/28/2014

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Blocked tubes no tmj: Eustachian tubes close up and don't want to open. Ask a pilot for the ways they get their Eustachian tubes open - they can show you easier than tell you.

Answered 3/22/2015

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Dr. Louis Gallia answered

Specializes in Surgery - Oral & Maxillofacial

Unlikely TMJ: Ear symptoms can occur with TMJ problems, but the blocked ears with flying is eustachan tube dysfunction. Get another ENT opinion.

Answered 3/23/2015

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