Tensor Tympani Syndrome
Fluttering, fullness or pain in your ear, but your hearing tests are normal? We assess the jaw, neck and nervous system factors that can drive tensor tympani syndrome, working alongside your GP, ENT and audiologist.
- APA Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
- Medicare rebates with a GP referral
- Home of the Sydney Tinnitus Clinic
Self check: does this sound like you?
People with tensor tympani syndrome often describe a cluster of ear symptoms that come and go, and that change with sound, stress or jaw tension. Tick any that apply to you.
These symptoms have other causes too. This is not a diagnosis. If your symptoms are new, see your GP first.
How the neck and jaw are involved
The tensor tympani is a tiny muscle that tightens the eardrum. When it becomes overactive, it can produce fluttering, fullness and pain without damaging your hearing.
Because it is wired into the same system as your jaw and upper neck, problems in those areas can feed into ear symptoms. That is why a musculoskeletal assessment can be useful once your ears have been checked.
Read our full guide to tensor tympani syndrome and the research
- A shared nerveThe tensor tympani and your chewing muscles are both supplied by the trigeminal nerve, so jaw tension and ear symptoms often travel together.
- A shared tendonAnatomical research has found tendon fibres linking it to a palate muscle that opens the Eustachian tube, one reason ears can feel blocked.
- A shared relay in the brainstemInput from the ear, jaw, face and upper neck converges in one area of the brainstem, which helps explain why neck problems can be felt in the ear.
- Stress lowers the thresholdThe muscle is sensitive to arousal, so stress and anxiety can make it switch on more easily.
How physiotherapy can assist
Every plan starts with a detailed assessment of your jaw, neck, face and shoulders, including whether jaw or neck movements change your ear symptoms. Treatment then moves through four phases, progressing when you are ready.
- Phase 1Down-regulationUnderstanding what is happening, breathing and relaxation strategies, gentle hands-on work for the jaw, face and neck, and reducing daytime clenching.
- Phase 2Motor controlJaw control exercises, deep neck muscle training, and head, neck and eye coordination where it is relevant.
- Phase 3Load and integrationBuilding tolerance for work days, exercise, chewing and busy environments, in step with any sound therapy from your audiologist.
- Phase 4MaintenanceA home programme and a flare-up plan, so you know what to do if symptoms return during a stressful period.
Everyone's presentation is different, and results vary from person to person.
Part of a coordinated team
Tensor tympani syndrome rarely sits within one profession. We share our findings with your GP, align our exercise progressions with your audiologist's sound therapy, and refer on promptly when something falls outside physiotherapy.
You won't need everyone listed here. Your team is built around what your assessment shows.
- GPReferral, medical oversight and a Chronic Disease Management plan where eligible
- ENTRuling out ear conditions that can mimic tensor tympani syndrome
- AudiologistHearing tests, tinnitus habituation and sound sensitivity work
- DentistJaw joint and bite assessment, and night splints where appropriate
- PsychologistStrategies for tinnitus distress, anxiety and stress
- PhysiotherapistJaw, neck and muscle treatment, and nervous system down-regulation
Clear, upfront fees
Every session is with an APA Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist, at the same fees as our Sydney Tinnitus Clinic consultations. No referral is needed, and private health rebates depend on your level of extras cover.
Initial consultation
$275 45-minute assessment- Detailed history and review of your ENT and audiology reports
- Baseline measures of your symptoms
- Neck, jaw and symptom modulation assessment
- Your management plan
- A written report to your medical and allied health team
Follow-up session
$235 Per session- Hands-on management and exercise progression
- Progress reviewed against your baseline
- Updated self-management strategies
Medicare, workers compensation and CTP
Medicare rebates may apply with a GP chronic condition management plan. Workers compensation and CTP claims are accepted once approved, with fees set by SIRA.
Opening hours
- Monday to Thursday
- 8am to 6pm
- Friday
- 8am to 5pm
- Weekends
- Closed