Long-term effect on tinnitus by treatment of temporomandibular disorders: a two-year follow-up by questionnaire

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the presence of symptoms and signs of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in patients with tinnitus and to evaluate the effect of TMD treatment on tinnitus in a long-term perspective in comparison with a control group of patients on a waiting list. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One-hundred-and-twenty patients with tinnitus were subjected to a clinical examination of the masticatory system and whether they had co-existing TMD to TMD treatment. Ninety-six patients had TMD, most frequently localized myalgia. Seventy-three of these completed the treatment and responded to a questionnaire 2 years later. Fifty patients with tinnitus who were on the waiting list served as a control group. RESULTS: Eighty percent of the patients had signs of TMD, most commonly myofascial pain. Forty-three percent of the patients reported that their tinnitus was improved at the 2-year follow-up, 39% that it was unchanged, and 17% that it was impaired compared to before the treatment. Twelve percent of the subjects in the control group reported that their tinnitus was improved compared to 2 years previously, 32% that it was unchanged, and 56% that it was impaired. The difference between groups was significant (chi(2): p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that TMD symptoms and signs are frequent in patients with tinnitus and that TMD treatment has a good effect on tinnitus in a long-term perspective, especially in patients with fluctuating tinnitus.