Damage to the nerves, blood vessels, and muscles of the head or neck can trigger tinnitus. Patients who ascribe their condition to head and neck trauma often report higher tinnitus volume and perceived burden, as well as greater variability in both sound, frequency, and location of their tinnitus.
Tinnitus related to head, neck, or dental issues is sometimes referred to as somatic tinnitus. (“Somatic” derives from the Greek somatikos, meaning “of the body.”)