Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSH) patients report many types of signs and symptoms. Some of them include tinnitus and vertigo, which are also frequently reported by patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). In this study conducted by the Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden, researchers aimed to investigate the presence of TMD symptoms and signs in SSH patients. Two groups, one with TMD and SSH patients, the other with healthy patients, completed a questionnaire along with a clinical examination. The SSH patients reported higher rates of pain in the face and head, pain during mandibular movements, and aural symptoms. This study concludes that signs and symptoms of TMD are more frequent in patients with SSH than in healthy controls. Dr. Stan Farrell, whose office is located in Scottsdale, Arizona, uses the most effective methods of treatment and works diligently to erase the pain caused by TMD in the lives of his patients. If you or someone you know is experiencing ear pain, hearing loss, or any type of facial pain please schedule an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Farrell at 480-945-3629 or visit us online at www.headpaininstitute.com for more information.
Axelsson R, Tullberg M, Ernberg M, Hedenberg-Magnusson B. Division of Prosthodontics, Department of Dental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden.
Abstract:
Sudden sensorineural hearingloss (SSH) usually affects one ear and leads to life long deafness in some cases. There are many theories about the origin of the condition but the etiology and pathophysiology are still unknown. However, tinnitus and vertigo frequently occur in patients with SSH, but are also frequent symptoms reported by patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). We hypothesized that TMD symptoms and signs are frequent in SSH patients. The objective of this study was therefore to investigate the presence of TMD symptoms and signs in SSH patients compared with healthy individuals. The groups, matched by gender and age, consisted each of 9 females and 6 males. Both groups answered a questionnaire about TMD symptoms and a clinical examination which included maximum voluntary mouth opening, temporomandibular joint sounds, tenderness to digital palpation of the TMJs and selected masticatory muscles, intermaxillary relations and dental occlusion was performed. The SSH patients reported significantly higher rates of pain in the head and face region and pain during mandibular movements as well as of aural symptoms compared with the control group. There was also a statistically significant difference between the groups in the number of masticatory muscles tender to digital palpation, as well as in some occlusal variables. In conclusion, this study shows that self-reported symptoms and clinical signs of TMD are more frequent in patients with SSH than in healthy controls.
