Feeling desperate, who do I see for tinnitus/jaw issues

[FeatherySquawkington]

I've had tinnitus, sore ear and swollen inflamed jaw for nearly three weeks, just getting worse. GP referred me to ENT at the hospital but apparently the soonest they can offer me an appointment is May!! I'm so desperate, I don't know who to ask for help.

Pay to see ENT privately?

Did the GP suggest any medication? Ibuprofen for swelling?

Disclaimer: not a medic.

If your jaw is playing up your dentist may be able to help. Perhaps they could refer you to a Maxillofacial specialist ?

Sounds like TMJ. I had this years ago and it was awful. My dentist was really helpful - they made a custom mouth guard to stop me clenching my jaw at night. Ibuprofen and a soft diet will hopefully help while you wait for that.

@FeatherySquawkington hi! Did it all get better! Im the same! Ear ringing and painf for 2 weeks :( feeling so low x

@DailyFailstinks did u also have the ear ringing ? C

Yes, absolutely see a dentist in the meantime!

A custom mouthguard will help and if your jaw muscles are rock solid, dentist may recommend botox injections into them which can help relax.

I feel for you, it's awful!

I changed my nhs referral to the consultant at the local hospital and was seen the same week. It cost £180 and £70 and he did a 'scope investigation.

Then referred me back to the go for an mri.

Sorry it was ENT for ear /nose /sinus issues.

As a start, definitely try a dentist with a specialism in Bruxism to see if it is caused by clenching and grinding. I was in agony for days but no sign of infection, abcess etc. First night of sleeping with a (temporary) nightguard and despite the dribbling pain went. Have now had several of the years and if I miss a night or two, pain returns very quickly.

Tinnitus may or may not be related and may be something you have to learn to live with and manage. But if the nightguard works the tinnitus may lessen a lot.

@Starrr123 Not ear ringing as such but more like feeling that my ears were ‘full’ and needed to pop.
I’d second the Botox recommendation - it really does help although it’s not available on the NHS. If you’re in the North West, PM me and I’ll give you the details of the clinic I went to.

@DailyFailstinks im worried my ringing will stay! Im only 26:(
Apparently my oral max said they do it? Xx