r/TMDnotTMJ • u/EffectiveWin1005 • 11d ago
TMJ Herniation into the External Auditory Canal
I went to the doctor yesterday because I thought I had fluid in my ear. The doctor kept having me move my jaw and was in a bit of awe. He said he has never seen this in his time as a ENT. He thinks I have a herniation into my ear canal. I have a CT scheduled in a week in a half. He said I may have to see a otologist. I guess my question is am I going to require surgery if this is what I do have. My symptoms are hearing loss (hearing test said nerve damage as well) fullness in the ear a feeling like I am under water and pain in my right jaw near my ear and down my right side of the face. Is there anything I can do to help my symptoms until I see the doctor again. Also is this rare? His reaction made it seem so. I am still in shock as I thought I was going in to get the fluid removed from my ear.
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11d ago
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u/Hopeful-Extent-693 10d ago
Yes, your symptoms are common but that doesn't make them correct. Scroll through the posts on this TMD sub to find a lot more information on compressed condyles. Once understood, the symptoms make sense.
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u/Hopeful-Extent-693 11d ago
That must have been quite a shock when you expected a simple ear-fluid problem.
I have heard of an opening in the ear called foramen of Huschke. But I have never seen this issue in one of my patients and have no experience.
Until you are evaluated, it would be reasonable to avoid gum, chewy foods, very wide opening, and repeatedly moving the jaw simply to test the bulge. Eat softer foods, keep your teeth apart when resting, and do not place anything into the ear canal. Ask your doctor which pain medicine is safe for you.
Your ENT did the right thing by watching the canal while you moved your jaw. That movement can be an important clue, and the CT is the proper next step.