Correlation between Temporomandibular Disorders and Tinnitus and Possible Treatment Strategies: Comprehensive Review

Abstract

This study intends to investigate the relationship between otologic symptoms, in particular, tinnitus, and temporomandibular disorders (TMD). The literature studies during the previous 20 years had focused on the treatment and alleviation of the otologic symptoms and were limited to randomized clinical trials, case reports, and prospective studies. The following Boolean keywords, (tinnitus) AND (temporomandibular disorders OR temporomandibular therapy), were used in the databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science between 2003 and 9 May 2023 with an English language restriction. Results: The computerized search turned up 693 articles in total, and after eliminating duplicates, reviewing them, and determining their eligibility, 20 papers were included. Conclusion: The connections between temporomandibular TMD and tinnitus are numerous and intricate. It is unclear whether TMD could be the source of tinnitus or only its symptoms. Tinnitus may not always occur in persons with TMD, indicating that additional causes may potentially be involved in its occurrence. The precise mechanisms behind the link between TMD and tinnitus need to be clarified by additional study.