Have you ever experienced ringing in the ear?
Many of us live with persistent tension in the head, neck, and face without even realizing it. Often, this tension leads to clenching and grinding—habits that may occur during both the day and night. These actions can compress the ears and contribute to tinnitus, the persistent ringing or buzzing in your ears. While an ear, nose, and throat doctor might suggest that nothing can be done except masking the sound with hearing aids, there are other approaches that target the root cause of the problem.
At the Hobson Institute, our unique approach has been transforming the lives of tinnitus patients for years. We were fortunate to collaborate with Dr. Akiro Matsuoka, the former head of the Tinnitus Clinic at Northwestern, who observed our head and neck therapies firsthand. In his own words, after 12 years of referring patients to us, over 70% of those we treated experienced significant improvements. This success story reinforces the importance of looking beyond conventional treatments and addressing underlying issues.
Our approach differs from most physical therapy practices. With specialized training in TMJ therapy, our founder learned from Dr. Mariano Rocabado that poor head and neck posture can lead to a rotation of the upper cervical spine. This misalignment not only affects posture but also alters jaw positioning—causing one side of the jaw to hit harder than the other, further exacerbating ear compression and related symptoms. By understanding these subtle shifts in anatomy, our skilled therapists can precisely target the affected areas.
We employ a range of advanced techniques—including manual therapy, dry needling, and targeted exercises—to restore proper alignment of the spine, neck, and jaw. In addition, many patients suffering from bruxism (clenching or grinding) have unaddressed airway issues. Our comprehensive treatment plan also involves specialized training with our physical and speech language therapists. By teaching patients how to use the back of their tongue to support the throat, we can reduce clenching and improve overall airway function, providing a holistic approach to managing tinnitus.
Additional Important Information:
- Understanding the Root Causes: Tinnitus can be triggered by a variety of factors including stress, TMJ disorders, poor posture, and even sleep disturbances. Our evaluations are designed to identify these underlying causes so that we can tailor treatments specifically for you.
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Our team conducts a thorough assessment that includes posture analysis, a review of your daily habits, and detailed evaluations of head, neck, and jaw function. This holistic examination helps us pinpoint the exact factors contributing to your tinnitus.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: No two patients are alike. That’s why our treatment plans are customized to address your unique condition. Whether your tinnitus is mild or severe, our goal is to help restore balance in your head and neck, reduce inflammation, and relieve tension.
- Long-Term Relief: Unlike temporary solutions that merely mask symptoms, our approach aims to provide long-term relief. By addressing the structural and functional imbalances in your body, we work to prevent the recurrence of tinnitus symptoms.
- Success Stories: Over the years, we have helped more than 750 patients achieve significant improvements in their tinnitus and overall head and neck health. Our commitment to advanced, holistic care is evident in these success stories.
- Take the First Step: If you’re struggling with tinnitus and suspect that clenching, poor posture, or airway issues may be contributing factors, don’t give up. Schedule an evaluation with us to start your path toward lasting relief.
At the Hobson Institute, we’re dedicated to restoring optimal head and neck health. Our goal is to help you overcome tinnitus by addressing its root causes and providing you with the tools you need to maintain long-term wellness.
Come in and see us, and let’s begin your journey to recovery together.
