Evaluation of tinnitus in patients with Temporomandibular Disorders through Axis II of the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI)

• Published in: Journal of oral rehabilitation 2024-07, Vol.51 (7), p.1158-1165
• Main Authors: Minervini, Giuseppe, Nucci, Ludovica, Barillari, Maria Rosaria, Rotolo, Rossana Patricia, Grassia, Vincenzo, d'Apuzzo, Fabrizia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Axis II; cognitive behavioural therapy; diagnostic criteria/TMD; Pain perception; Statistical analysis; temporomandibular disorders; Temporomandibular joint; Temporomandibular joint disorders; THI; Tinnitus; Well being
• ISSN: 0305-182X; 1365-2842
• DOI: 10.1111/joor.13687

Background Tinnitus is a quite common and bothersome disorder that results in a perceived sound or noise, without an external origin, often causing notable psychological distress. Some interconnections between tinnitus, bodily pain perception, and psychological well‐being were previously reported, thus the relationships between tinnitus and temporomandibular joint (TMJ)‐related muscle issues, resulting in somatosensory tinnitus, must be deeply investigated. This study aims to assess the prevalence of tinnitus in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and to examine the correlation between tinnitus and scales assessing the severity of TMD as well as psychological‐related parameters. Materials and Methods In this cross‐sectional study, a total of 37 adults with TMD symptoms were enrolled. Diagnostic data were collected using the Axis II of the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD) and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) questionnaire. Statistical analysis included descriptive assessments and significance was set at p