What is Somatic Tinnitus?

Somatic tinnitus is a type of subjective, often high-pitched ringing or buzzing that changes in intensity or pitch with physical movements like clenching the jaw, turning the neck, or touching the face. Affecting roughly 65% of tinnitus cases, it is often linked to underlying musculoskeletal tension, Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorders, or cervical spine issues. While there is no known cure, symptoms can often be reduced through physical therapy, massage, and dental treatments. 

Key Aspects of Somatic Tinnitus

• What it sounds like: It presents as ringing, roaring, buzzing, humming, or clicking.

• Triggering actions: The noise changes or worsens when moving the head, neck, eyes, or jaw

• Common causes: These include TMJ dysfunction, whiplash, neck injuries, and dental issues.

• Management techniques:

  • Physical therapy: Targeted exercises for the neck and shoulders.

  • Massage therapy: Relaxing muscles in the head, neck, and jaw.

  • Dental intervention: Using orthodontic appliances for jaw alignment.

  • Lifestyle changes: Improving posture to reduce cervical strain. 

While somatic tinnitus may not always completely "go away" for everyone, many individuals find that managing the underlying physical causes significantly reduces the frequency and intensity of the sound. 

How do you know if tinnitus is somatic?

Tinnitus can cause a variety of different sounds, from ringing and buzzing to whistling, humming, and more. And because somatosensory tinnitus is subjective, only the person experiencing the sounds can hear them.

Somatic tinnitus can vary in severity, but the distinguishing feature of this type of tinnitus is that it worsens with movement or touch. Early research suggests that roughly 65% of people with tinnitus have this type of tinnitus.

If you experience somatosensory tinnitus, you might notice that your symptoms worsen when you:

• move your fingers, face, or mouth

• move or rotate your head or neck muscles

• move your eyes horizontally or vertically

• touch certain areas of your hands, fingers, or face

• put pressure on certain trigger points in your face

Some people with somatic tinnitus also experience other physical symptoms including neck pain, jaw clenching, and other symptoms of temporomandibular disorders.

Is somatic tinnitus constant?

People tend to experience tinnitus differently, depending on the type and severity. Some types of tinnitus, like pulsatile tinnitus, may be present constantly, while other types, like somatic tinnitus, tend to fluctuate.

If you have somatosensory tinnitus, you might notice that you only hear it when you move your head or look from side to side, for example. Or you might not notice it at all until you touch or put pressure on certain areas of your face or jaw.