Temporomandibular Disorders and Neck Disability in Tinnitus Patients

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), parafunctional habits, cervical spine disorders and biopsychosocial profile in a sample of tinnitus patients.
Methods: 79 patients with tinnitus were consecutively recruited from the Audiology & Vestibology Unit and answered the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) test. All patients were evaluated for signs and symptoms of TMD according to Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (DC) and divided in TMD-Pain and TMD-Dysfunction. Parafunctional habits were assessed with Oral Behaviour Checklist (OBC), cervical spine disorders were assessed with Neck Disability Index (NDI) from a Rehabilitation Unit specialist. A descriptive statistics and correlations analysis were performed
Results: Among 79 patients with Tinnitus, the prevalence of TMD was 67%: 53,2% only TMD-Pain, 12,6% TMD pain and dysfunction, 1,2% only TMD Dysfunction. A correlation index was found between THI and OBC scores (0,34), THI and Characteristic Pain Intensity (0,11), NDI and TMD-Pain (0,33), THI and TMD-Pain (0,26).
Conclusions: This study evidenced a moderate correlation between oral parafunction and presence of tinnitus, and between neck disability and TMD-Pain. A low correlation was found between THI values and TMD-Pain also. In conclusion an evaluation of parafunctional habits and cervical spine disorders is suggested in patients with tinnitus.