A recent study conducted by the Federal University of Ceara in Brazil aimed to determine the association between temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) and tinnitus. Two hundred patients recorded their pain pressure thresholds of the masseter and the temporalis muscles. Tinnitus was significantly associated with chronic pain which suggests there is an association with TMD and tinnitus. 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 tinnitus, jaw pain, 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.
Saldanha AD1, Hilgenberg PB, Pinto LM, Conti PC. 1Federal University of Ceará, Brazil.
Abstract: The current study aimed to research the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in patients with subjective tinnitus, as compared to controls, and the association between symptoms of TMD, tinnitus, and chronic pain. Two hundred patients were divided into two groups, according to the presence (experimental) or not (control) of subjective tinnitus. The subgroups were determined according to the RDC/TMD criteria. The Pain Pressure Threshold (PPT) values of the masseter and temporalis muscles were recorded bilaterally, and a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was used to address subjective pain. The most prevalent TMD subgroups in the tinnitus patients (p < 0.05) were myofascial pain with limited opening (39.0%), disc displacement with reduction (44.33%), and arthralgia (53.54%). The severity of tinnitus was significantly associated with the severity of chronic pain (p = .000). The PPT values were lower (p > 0.05), while the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) was statistically higher (p = .000) for the tinnitus patients. These results suggest that an association exists between TMD and subjective tinnitus.
