Here’s one for the books… or at least the links. A study published in the British Journal of Medicine warns that certain golf clubs can cause hearing loss and by extension tinnitus.

The popular titanium clubs used by golfers everywhere create a mini sonic boom upon impact with a golf ball. Years ago the sound of a wood driver hitting a ball made a healthy click, but now the intense ping that explodes off titanium clubs creates a sound as loud as a jackhammer or jet engine at take-off.

Recent tests at Florida’s North Palm Beach Country Club with director of golf Mike Gray measured decibel levels on impact. “They design them to be louder, its more exciting. If it sounds louder, it feels like it will go father” said Gray.

Time and again the impact pinned the meter past 130 decibels. 130 decibels equals the noise level in close proximity to a jackhammer and a jet taking off on the runway. By comparison the blast from a gun muzzle hits 140 db and a rock concert clocks in at 132.

The study suggests wearing ear plugs. Tennis anyone?

It can manifest itself in a variety of ways. Some have tinnitus, others have migraines some individual experience a clicking or locking of the jaw, and others have pain on the sides and back of the neck.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder affects up to 3/4 of Americans at some time in their life. The TMJ is a complicated joint which connects the lower jaw to the temporal bone on the side of the head. Often the symptoms go away on their own, according to an article published in the New York Times, Personal Health section (2/3/2009). It’s causes are many; environmental, biologic, social, behavioral, to name a few and it impacts women most often. An incredible ninety percent of patients who seek treatment are women.

Those who experience the above symptoms are urged to obtain at thorough examination (often dentists trained in craniofacial care) and assessment of the problem before embarking on a therapy, especially if they have tinnitus or migraine headaches.

While surgery is the last resort there are many simple and safe therapy options:

1) Rest the jaw is the most important.
2) Stop harmful chewing and biting habits.
3) Avoid opening your moth wide while yawning or laughing.
4) Temporarily eat only soft foods, such as soup, yogurt, fish and cottage cheese, pureed vegetables and fruit.
5) Apply heat the side of the face and take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, for up to two weeks.