Do Root Canals or Infected Teeth Cause Hearing Loss? Understanding the Connection

There is a common belief that infected teeth or root canal treatments can lead to hearing problems or even hearing loss. However, this is a myth. Root canals do not directly cause hearing impairment. Our mouth is closely related to the ear – to understand this connection let me dive into it a bit deeper.

• Tooth and Ear Connection: Some teeth, particularly the upper molars and lower molars, are loacted close to the ear structures due to their position in the jaw. Infections or dental procedures involving these teeth can sometimes cause referred pain or a sensation of fullness in the ear.

• Shared Nerve Pathway: One nerve provides sensory innervation to the lower teeth, jaw, and some parts of the ear. Similarly, another branch of the mandibular nerve, supplies sensation to the external ear and the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Because of this shared nerve supply, pain from a dental issue (e.g., an abscess, impacted tooth, or post-treatment swelling) can be perceived in the ear.

• Referred Pain Mechanism: The brain sometimes misinterprets pain signals from the mouth as coming from the ear, leading to symptoms like ear pain, pressure, or discomfort. This is known as referred pain, a phenomenon where pain is felt in an area different from its actual source.

Along with the above our throat is closely connected to the ears through the Eustachian tube, which helps regulate pressure. Ever noticed your ears popping after a flight? That’s the Eustachian tube equalizing pressure between the ear and throat. Sometimes, dental infections, particularly in upper molars, may contribute to swelling of the sinus, which in turn can cause mild ear discomfort due to the closeness of the sinuses to the Eustachian tube and thus the ear. Post-root canal swellings in some teeth may also cause temporary hearing issues, but these symptoms are rare and subside once the infection or inflammation resolves with proper treatment or medication.

When to consult a Dentist or ENT?

• Persistent ear pain lasting more than a few days

• Fullness in the ear or temporary hearing difficulty

• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) that doesn’t go away

• Sinus pain or discomfort near the cheekbones after a root canal on upper molars

Key Takeaways:

Root canals do NOT cause permanent hearing loss

Some temporary ear discomfort may occur due to infections or pressure changes

Untreated dental infections can impact ear health

Symptoms usually subside, but consult a dentist or ENT if they persist

At V Family Dental, a trusted dental clinic on Fergusson College Road near Vaishali hotel, Pune, we specialize in advanced root canal treatments and complete oral care to ensure your teeth and overall health are well looked after.