Abstract
Objectives This cross-sectional study investigated the relationship between temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) and otological symptoms and alterations.
Materials and methods The sample consisted of 101 individuals who were assessed for TMD using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) questionnaire and for otological symptoms and alterations, including tinnitus, ear pain, and hearing loss, through interviews and audiological tests (meatoscopy, air and bone conduction audiometry, and tympanometry). The data was subjected to descriptive analysis, chi-square tests, and Poisson regression at a 5% significance level.
Results Nocturnal and daytime bruxism (34.7% and 49.5%), clicking (37.6%), ear pain (58.4%), tinnitus (59.4%), and hearing loss (17.8%) were the most frequent symptoms and alterations related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and ear. TMD was significantly associated with pain and degree of facial pain, nocturnal bruxism, difficulty chewing, joint locking, clicking, tinnitus, degree of tinnitus annoyance, ear pain, and hearing loss (p<0.001). In the adjusted regression analysis, ear pain was associated with TMD (adjusted prevalence ratio: PRa = 7.355, confidence interval: 95% CI = 2.077–26.042).
Conclusions Individuals with TMD showed a higher prevalence of otologic symptoms, alterations, and facial pain.
Clinical relevance Changes in TMJ structures can cause various signs and symptoms in the stomatognathic and auditory systems.