Tonic Tympani Sensory Syndrome (TTSS) is a rare auditory disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions within the ear, leading to symptoms such as discomfort, aural fullness, and tinnitus. These symptoms can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, causing both physical and psychological distress. Traditional treatments have often focused on symptom management rather than addressing the underlying causes.
However, we are now leveraging a cutting-edge treatment known as Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (PENS) to provide relief. This innovative approach aims to alleviate the symptoms of TTSS by targeting and modulating the specific nerves involved, offering a promising solution for those affected by this condition.
What is Tonic Tympani Sensory Syndrome?
Tonic Tympani Sensory Syndrome (TTSS) is a condition involving the Tensor Tympani Muscle, one of the tiny muscles located within the middle ear.
This syndrome is marked by involuntary and prolonged contractions of the tensor tympani muscle, which can lead to various auditory disturbances. Basically everything seems louder.
The action of the Tensor Tympani is to pull the tympanic membrane inward, increasing tympanic membrane tension. You can think of the tensor tympani muscles as a kind of internal calming mechanism that ensures that you’re able to stabilize volume and react to fluctuations in noise and as also modulate the pressure to the inner ear and offer some protection from loud sounds. It also plays a role in the ventilation of the middle ear by way of the Eustachian Tube.
It is also believed that the Stapedius Muscle can be involved in Tonic Tympani Sensory Syndrome. Again, prolonged contractions of the Stapedius Muscle can lead to the symptoms you might be experiencing.
Stapedius reflexively dampens the vibrations of the stapes by pulling on the neck of that bone. It prevents excess movement by the stapes, helping to control the amplitude of sound waves from the general external environment to the inner ear. The stapedius muscle dampens the ability of the stapes vibration and protects the inner ear from high noise levels, primarily the volume of your own voice.
Symptoms of Tonic Tympani Sensory Syndrome
Symptoms typically include sensations of ear fullness, abnormal ear sounds like clicking or popping, and varying degrees of tinnitus, which is a ringing or buzzing noise in the ears. Although the exact etiology of TTSS remains unclear, it is often associated with heightened stress, anxiety, or exposure to sudden loud sounds.
What Causes Tonic Tympani Sensory Syndrome
We’re not really sure what causes it. Several potential factors have been suggested. These include heightened stress or anxiety, which may trigger involuntary muscle contractions in the ear. Additionally, exposure to sudden or prolonged loud noises can contribute to the development of TTSS, as can certain neurological conditions.
There may also be a genetic predisposition in some individuals that makes them more susceptible to this syndrome. Further research is essential to clarify these potential causes and improve treatment approaches.
Conventional Treatment for Tonic Tympani Sensory Syndrome
Conventional medicine doesn’t have much to offer in the way of treatment – after you’ve been down the rabbit hole of specialists like ENT’s and had all the big scary stuff ruled out, they will likely recommend Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Sound Therapy. There are no pharmaceuticals that help with this condition.
The good news is there is a new (but really old) treatment that works exceptionally well for Tonic Tympani Sensory Syndrome.
PENS for Tonic Tympani Sensory Syndrome
PENS (Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) has been shown to be effective at both reducing the symptoms of Tonic Tympani Sensory Syndrome and even resolving it completely.
Unfortunately there is no published literature as of 2024 for this treatment. Clinically Dr. Hanson has worked with numerous patients and the response rate is 60%.
What is PENS?
PENS, short for Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting fine needles (acupuncture needles) to deliver electrical impulses directly to the affected nerves. This technique is designed to interrupt and modulate nerve signals, thereby reducing muscle contractions and alleviating the associated symptoms of TTSS.
The treatment has been praised for its precision and effectiveness, offering patients a viable alternative when conventional methods fall short. By specifically targeting the nerves involved in the auditory disturbances, PENS aims to provide long-term relief and improve the overall quality of life for those struggling with TTSS.
PENS is a form of acupuncture (neurofunctional acupuncture), which is what Dr. Hanson, DACM in Tampa, FL has practiced for the last 10+ years. He has performed 35,000 PENS procedures over the last 10+ years and has clinical experience successfully treating TTSS.
What is PENS treatment like for TTSS?
Treatment involves stimulating areas on the face and near your ear to provide input into your nervous system and relax the tight muscles causing your symptoms.
Dr. Hanson will specifically target both the Trigeminal Nerve and the Facial Nerve – which supply innervation to the Tensor Tympani Muscle and the Stapedius Muscle. We use electrical stimulation to modulate the nervous system and relax the muscles.
A typical treatment plan for TTSS involves 4-10 treatments done weekly for patients local to Tampa, FL.
Patients traveling from out of town receive multiple treatment daily over the course of 4 days.
The Good News
If you have a diagnosis of TTSS (Tonic Tympani Sensory Syndrome) do not lose hope. PENS for Tonic Tympani Sensory Syndrome is an effective treatment that can provide both relief and even resolution to your symptoms.
PENS is a form of acupuncture (neurofunctional acupuncture), which is what Dr. Hanson, DACM in Tampa, FL has practiced for the last 10+ years. He has performed 35,000 PENS procedures over the last 10+ years and has clinical experience successfully treating TTSS.
Reach out to our office in Tampa, FL at 813-534-0311.
