My nugdet of experience to add a data point to this claim. I have TMJ and have had it for as long as I can remember (my jaw clicks every time I open or close my mouth). I developed constant tinnitus in one ear (on the side where the clicks happen) in my early 30s, a few years ago. I was SURE the TMJ was causing my tinnitus, but the doctors dismissed it as non-related. Maybe I should have pushed harder. (I also have voluntary control over the tensor tympani muscle, for what it's worth.)