I also have the problem with my ears feeling clogged up! When I have to explain what I'm feeling to others I tell them it sounds like Darth Vader breathing in my head haha and it's hard to hear how loud I'm speaking and what people are saying. It doesn't stay for long periods at a time though. It usually can be at it's longest for hours in a day and then goes away. I thought at first it could be congestion or something with earwax but I flushed them and nothing came out. I have heard like your doctor said that it is from TMJD when your muscles are tense and puts pressure on your ear somehow. I have tried to pop the pressure out with holding my nose close and blowing but it just seems to have to just go away on its own. Let me know if you find anything else to relieve the pressure. Thanks! =]

wow! this is a new symptom for me and I have been wondering if its TMJ related of not..i know now it is and that im not alone!

rebeck..yea I know what you mean with the Darth Vader breathing sound..Ive been having that happen to me more lately...annoys the crap outta me!!
sportyspice - I am glad that you identified with my message. It's always good to find out something you are experiencing is connected to something.

I am going to make a doctors appointment about this soon because I just can't take it anymore...it's driving me crazy!

Good luck at your doctor appt. Hopefully you find out what to do for relief. If you do please let us know! Thanks! =]

I have this same problem. I call it "white noise".It really never totally subsides, but, is less noticeable at times. I love the Darth Vader reference. I had my ears flushed too, thinking it was earwax or an infection of some kind. No, it's just TMJ.I know when the barometric pressure rises and it's a muggy day, my ears are much worse. Weird symptoms keep on coming to light, don't they?

I'm new to the forum...I'm so glad I found you! I've had popping in my right ear since my TMJ surfaced in May, 2008. I underwent arthrocentesis (hope I spelled that right!) in November, and in my case at least, it was a big mistake. Since that time, my ear constantly feels "plugged", and I actually have a hearing loss on that side; as it began immediately after the procedure, the only conclusion we can reach is that it was caused by the procedure. I constantly feel as though I'm listening to everything through a cotton ball...and I have also developed ringing in my ear, which isn't a treat, either. I hope you find some answers at the doctor!

I have plugged ears too, I know I talk loud at times, people will mention it too me.

I think I will have a hearing test, it is embarassing when people look at you, like why are you talking so loud. I have to keep it in mind, and talk softly. I know it wasn't like that before the jaw re-positioning.

Just another side efeect of having this disorder.