Otological symptoms and audiometric findings in patients with temporomandibular disorders: Costen's syndrome revisited

Efficacy of rehabilitative therapies on otologic symptoms in patients with temporomandibular disorders: A systematic review of randomised controlled trials

BACKGROUND

The term temporomandibular disorder (TMD) indicates a set of musculoskeletal conditions involving temporomandibular joint (TMJ), masticatory musculature, and related anatomical structures. Pain is the most common clinical manifestation of TMD, and the auditory system might be involved and affected, through tinnitus, dizziness, otalgia and ear fullness sensation.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this systematic review of randomised controlled trails (RCTs) was to evaluate the efficacy of rehabilitative approaches on otologic symptoms in patients with TMD.

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were systematically searched from the inception until 8th October 2023 to identify RCTs presenting participants with a diagnosis of TMD associated with otologic signs and symptoms, rehabilitative approaches as interventions, and modification of the otological symptoms as outcome.

RESULTS

Out of 931 papers suitable for title/abstract screening, 627 articles were assessed for eligibility. Five studies were included reporting the efficacy of occlusal splint therapy, low-level laser therapies, and physical therapy in patients diagnosed whit secondary otalgia or tinnitus associated with TMD. No RCTs evaluating other otologic symptoms, ear fullness, dizziness or vertigo were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of this systematic review suggested that rehabilitative approaches might be effective in improving secondary otalgia and tinnitus in TMD patients. Thus, further RCTs with a higher level of evidence and more representative samples should be conducted to better understand the effects of TMD therapy on otologic complains.

A minireview of the anatomical and pathological factors pertaining to Costen's syndrome symptoms

Objective: Interest in the symptoms pertaining to Costen's syndrome has revived in recent years. The aim of this work is to address the symptoms of Costen's syndrome from the basic science perspectiveMethods: A minireview of the literature related to Costen's syndrome symptoms was performed by retrieving relevant articles from the PubMed database from 1980 until 2021.Results: The validity of Costen's syndrome symptoms has been confirmed by a multitude of articles. Conclusion: Maladaptive plasticity in the central nervous system pathways probably accounts for the incidence and severity of Costen's syndrome symptoms.

Quality of life and level of physical activity of individuals with temporomandibular disorders with and without otological symptoms: Secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Otological symptoms (OS) are highly prevalent in individuals with temporomandibular disorders (TMD). Individuals with TMD and OS have more neck disability and decreased deep neck muscles endurance when compared to individuals without OS. However, no studies have evaluated whether OS is associated with lower Quality of Life (QoL) and worse levels of physical activity. This study aimed to evaluate the QoL and level of physical activity of individuals with TMD with and without OS.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 62 individuals with TMD were allocated into 2 groups: TMD with OS (n = 36) or TMD without OS (n = 26). Self-reported complaints of dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus, earache, ear fullness, or hypoacusis were considered as OS. QoL was assessed with the WHOQOL-Bref and physical activity with the IPAQ-SF. Independent t-test and chi-squared test were used for analysis between-groups. Effect sizes were reported using Cohen's d. A Pearson correlation was used to compare the number of OS and QoL scores. A significance level of p < 0.05% and 95% confidence intervals were considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The total generic scores for QoL were not different between-groups (p = 0.076), but individuals with TMD with OS had lower satisfaction (p = 0.015; d: 0.63) and physical domain (p = 0.015; d: 0.64) scores with a moderate effect size. In TMD with OS, 69.4% of individuals were irregularly active and 50% for the TMD without OS, with no statistical significance (p > 0.05). The number of OSs was inversely and weakly associated with the QoL total score.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with TMD and OS are associated with worsened QoL (physical domain and satisfaction) when compared to individuals with TMD without OS. The higher the number of OS, the worse the QoL score. Individuals with TMD with and without OS had similar levels of physical activity, but a high prevalence of irregularly active and sedentary individuals within TMD diagnosed population was found.

Effectiveness of conservative approaches on otologic signs and symptoms in patients with temporomandibular disorders and Meniere's disease: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of conservative approaches on otologic signs and symptoms in patients affected by Menière's Disease (MD) and temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

METHODS

PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were systematically searched to identify studies presenting participants with a diagnosis of MD associated with TMD, conservative approaches as interventions, and modification of the otological signs and symptoms as outcome.

RESULTS

Out of 627 articles assessed for eligibility, two studies were included. Both studies showed a significant reduction of Situational Vertigo Questionnaire after treatment, number of vertigo spells, Functional Level Scale, Dizziness Hearing Inventory, and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, after occlusal splint therapy. No significant differences were found in terms of pure-tone audiometry average.

CONCLUSION

Findings of this systematic review suggested that conservative approaches might improve vertigo in patients affected by MD and TMD. However, the low number of included studies makes difficult to draw strong conclusions.

Otological symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis of the temporomandibular joint

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the current study was to describe the pattern of otological symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), having clinical temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement. This issue had not been previously addressed.

METHODS

A questionnaire and examination findings protocol was applied for 141 patients with RA and 141 control subjects.

RESULTS

Otological symptoms (otalgia, hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo), all had a significantly higher incidence in RA patients, compared to control subjects (P = .001).

CONCLUSION

The onset and maintenance of otological symptoms in patients with TMJ involvement by RA probably result from peripheral, as well as central nervous system alterations in sensory stimuli programming.

Oral splint therapy in patients with Menière's disease and temporomandibular disorder: a long-term, controlled study

PURPOSE

To assess the effect of oral splint therapy on audio-vestibular symptoms in patients with Menière's disease (MD) and temporomandibular disorder (TMD).

METHODS

Retrospective case-control study. Treatment group: 37 patients with MD and TMD who received gnatological treatment.

CONTROL GROUP

26 patients with MD and TMD who had never received gnatological treatment. The number of vertigo spells in 6 months (primary endpoint), pure-tone audiometry average (PTA), MD stage, functional level, Dizziness handicap Index (DHI), Tinnitus handicap Index (THI) and Aural Fullness Scale (AFS) were compared at baseline and after 24 months according to groups. Analysis of Covariance was used to determine the treatment effect.

RESULTS

Groups were comparable for demographic, clinical data, baseline PTAs and the number of vertigo spells. Analysis of covariance showed a significant effect of gnathological treatment on number of vertigo spells ([Formula: see text] = 0.258, p < 0.001), PTA ([Formula: see text] = 0.201, p < 0.001), MD stage ([Formula: see text] = 0.224, p < 0.001), functional level ([Formula: see text] = 0.424, p < 0.001), DHI ([Formula: see text] = 0.421, p < 0.001), THI ([Formula: see text] = 0.183, p < 0.001), but not for AFS ([Formula: see text] = 0.005, p = 0.582). The treatment group showed vertigo control of class A in 86.5% and class B in 13.5% of patients. In the control group, vertigo control was of class A in 19.2% of patients and class B in 11.5%, class C in 30.8%, class D in 11.5%, class E in 19.2% and class F in 7.7%. Classes of vertigo control differed significantly (X² test, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Oral splint therapy could represent a viable treatment in patients with TMD and uncontrolled MD disease. The effects are maintained at least after 2 years.

Temporomandibular disorder: A previously unreported complication of chronic suppurative otitis media

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the current clinical study was to test the hypothesis that chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) might be significantly associated with signs of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement.

METHODS

The study involved 79 patients with CSOM and 79 control subjects. The TMJ was clinically examined in both groups.

RESULTS

Signs of internal derangement of the TMJ(s) were found in 67.1% of CSOM patients versus 26.6% of control subjects (p = .001).

CONCLUSION

CSOM may be associated with the extension of the inflammatory process into the TMJ, thereby predisposing to internal derangement of the joint.

Chronic craniomandibular pain after craniotomy: A long-term clinical study

OBJECTIVE

Chronic craniomandibular/cervical pain and temporomandibular disorders have not been studied in patients who had a craniotomy several years previously. The aim of the current clinical work was to address these issues.

METHODS

A total group of 150 ambulant patients who had a previous craniotomy was subclassified according to whether or not the temporalis muscle was manipulated.

RESULTS

The average incidence of multiple subsite regional head and neck pain was 69.3% a number of years after a craniotomy. Evidence of internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint was significantly higher in the group that required manipulation of the temporalis muscle during the procedure.

CONCLUSION

The pattern of chronic craniomandibular/cervical pain experienced years after a craniotomy supports the brain neuromatrix theory of pain.

Pain, deep neck flexors performance, disability, and head posture in individuals with temporomandibular disorder with and without otological complaints

BACKGROUND

Otological complaints (OC) are highly prevalent in subjects with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and so is the risk of neck dysfunctions.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate pain, deep neck flexor (DNF) performance, disability, and head and neck posture of individuals with TMD with and without OC.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 57 individuals were divided into a group with TMD and OC (n= 31) and a group with TMD without OC (n= 26). Self-reported pain intensity, masticatory and neck muscles pressure pain thresholds, DNF performance, neck disability, and head and neck posture were evaluated. Data were compared between groups using the independent t test and Mann-Whitney test with Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Effect sizes were evaluated using Cohen's index.

RESULTS

The TMD with OC group presented less muscle activation [26 (24-28) vs. 24 (24-26) mmHg; p< 0.05], less endurance [105 (46-140) vs. 44 (28-78) points; p< 0.05], and greater neck disability (8.15 ± 5.89 vs. 13.32 ± 6.36 points; p< 0.05). No significant difference was observed in self-reported pain, head and neck posture, or pressure pain thresholds.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with TMD with OC presented decreased DNF performance and increased neck disability compared to individuals with TMD without OC.

Otoneurological assessment and quality of life of individuals with complaints of dizziness and temporomandibular disorders: a case-control study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of temporomandibular disorders on the quality of life of patients with dizziness.

METHODS

An observational, case-control study evaluated 60 individuals with dizziness (20 cases and 40 controls), who were matched for gender and age. The individuals underwent to anamnesis, overall physical and otoneurological examination, tonal and vocal audiometry and impedanciometry, video head impulse test and the dizziness handicap inventory questionnaire.

RESULTS

The otoscopy was normal for all patients. There was an association between the presence of temporomandibular disorders and aural fullness (p < 0.01) and otalgia (p < 0.01). Audiometry was normal in 90% of the patients in the case group, with a significant association between temporomandibular disorders and normal audiometry (p < 0.01). The video head impulse test findings were normal in 66% of the patients in the case group and 45% of the control group, and there was no association between having temporomandibular disorders and vestibular alterations at the video head impulse test (p = 0.12). There were significant differences in total dizziness handicap inventory and in the functional and emotional domains (p < 0.01), with higher scores in the control group.

CONCLUSION

Aural fullness and otalgia symptoms are associated with temporomandibular disorders in patients with dizziness, and there is an association between normal complementary audiological tests and temporomandibular disorders. Vestibular alterations are not associated with temporomandibular disorders. However, patients with dizziness and without temporomandibular disorders showed greater quality of life impairment.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3

Original case-control study.

Is there a comorbid relationship between temporomandibular disorders and otologic signs/symptoms?: An umbrella review

OBJECTIVE

This umbrella review (UR) explored the possible associations between temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and otologic signs/symptoms (OSs) and established the potential impact of TMD interventions on OSs.

METHODS

A systematic review of systematic reviews (SRs)/meta-analyses (MAs) was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and Joanna Briggs Institute UR protocol. Electronic search of the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Open Grey databases was conducted and the quality of the identified studies was assessed using the AMSTAR2 criteria.

RESULTS

Out of 923 and 157 articles screened for the first and second focus questions respectively, a total of 8 SRs/MAs fulfilled the eligibility criteria. The prevalence of OSs in TMD patients and contrariwise varied substantially up to 85.0-95.0%. Available evidence indicates that TMDs are associated with OSs, and TMD treatment reduced OSs.

CONCLUSION

Findings suggest that a comorbid relationship between TMDs and OSs exists, and therapeutic TMD interventions improve OSs.

A clinical study on the incidence of internal derangement of the temporomandibular joint following harvesting of temporalis fascia

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the current clinical study was to reveal whether harvesting of a temporalis fascia graft would be associated with a higher incidence of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement.

METHODS

The study group involved 104 patients who had middle-ear operations, 67 of which involved harvesting of temporalis fascia and 37 that did not. The TMJs were clinically examined in each group.

RESULTS

The total incidence of internal derangement of the TMJ was significantly higher in the group that had temporalis fascia harvesting (79.1%), compared to the group that did not have temporalis fascia harvesting (29.7%), (p= 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Harvesting of temporalis fascia probably alters mandibular kinematics and predisposes to internal derangement of the TMJs.

Occlusal splint therapy in patients with Ménière's disease and temporomandibular joint disorder

Objective

This retrospective study aimed to verify the outcomes of stabilising occlusal splint therapy prescribed to 22 patients with unilateral definite Ménière’s disease and comorbid temporomandibular joint disorder.

Methods

The results of a battery of audiometric and vestibular tests were recorded before and after 6 months of treatment, as well as the scores of disease-specific questionnaires.

Results

The average hearing threshold in the affected ear and the acoustic immittance were unchanged. No spontaneous and positional nystagmus were recorded. Caloric hypo-responsiveness and vestibular myogenic evoked responses did not vary. No changes of stabilometric body sway parameters in eyes opened condition and with optokinetic stimulation delivered to the unaffected labyrinth were observed. A significant reduction was recorded in eyes closed condition and with the optokinetic stimulation toward the affected ear. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory, the Situational Vertigo Questionnaire and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale scores improved. The number of vertigo attacks was reduced.

Conclusions

Occlusal splint therapy is a favourable option to reduce aural symptoms of Ménière’s disease and comorbid temporomandibular joint disorder, even if its pathophysiological mechanism remains elusive.

Is there an association between otologic symptoms and temporomandibular disorders?: An evidence-based review

BACKGROUND

The aim of this article is to discuss the scientific evidence available on the the pathophysiology and management of otologic complaints in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs).

TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED

The authors conducted an electronic search in MEDLINE, Web of Science and ScienceDirect and retrieved all the relevant peer-reviewed journal articles available in English on the topic. No time restriction was applied.

RESULTS

No consensus exists on the management of otologic symptoms in patients with concomitant TMD. The scientific evidence suggests that conservative or reversible TMD therapy might provide relief. However, this evidence is scarce and low, thus further studies with larger sample sizes and better designed methodological frameworks are needed. Until such evidence is available, dentists and orofacial pain specialists should treat TMD patients using current guidelines and refer those with otologic symptoms to an otolaryngologist.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Given the wide range of potential pathophysiologies and treatments for each otologic symptom described in the TMD patient, close collaboration with otolaryngologists is essential to achieve the best patient care.

Hearing changes after temporomandibular joint arthroscopy: a prospective study

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) arthroscopy is considered an effective and safe minimally invasive surgical approach. While the long-term outcomes of arthroscopy tend to be positive and free of secondary effects, patients occasionally complain about their hearing following the treatment. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate possible hearing changes associated with TMJ arthroscopy. Pure-tone audiograms were performed in patients two weeks before TMJ arthroscopy and repeated six weeks after intervention. A total of 15 patients (mean age of 41.73±16.36) were enrolled; 25 TMJ arthroscopies were performed (five unilateral and ten bilateral). Statistically significant differences were found between preoperative and postoperative audiograms in the frequencies 256Hz (P=0.011) and 8kHz (P=0.058, borderline). For the frequency 256Hz the difference was favourable, but not superior to 5dB. For the frequency 8kHz, in three patients the TMJ arthroscopy resulted in a decrease of 10dB. However, no clinical hearing changes or complaints were observed in the involved patients. No differences in audiograms between level 1 or 2 arthroscopy were observed. The study reinforces the safety of the TMJ arthroscopy level 1 and 2 with the reported protocol. The authors recommend larger studies to validate the results, specially for frequency 8kHz.

Predictors of eustachian tube dysfunction improvement and normalization after endoscopic sinus surgery

OBJECTIVE

Studies have demonstrated improvement in Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) symptomatology after functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS); however, factors associated with ETD symptom alteration have not been elucidated. This study evaluated factors associated with improvement and normalization of ETD symptoms after FESS.

METHODS

A case-control study was performed of FESS patients who had clinically significant ETD symptoms based on the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire-7 (ETDQ-7 ≥ 2.1) without middle ear effusion (MEE) preoperatively. Study patients were identified as those with a normalized ETDQ-7 at 2 months postoperatively. Controls were patients whose ETDQ-7 did not normalize at 2 months. Demographics, surgery characteristics, chronic rhinosinusitis phenotype, Lund-Mackay score, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD), preoperative ETDQ-7 and SNOT-22 scores, and tympanograms were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed comparing study cases and controls.

RESULTS

Data were collected on 165 patients, with 46% patients having clinically significant preoperative ETD and 60 patients meeting final study inclusion/exclusion criteria. FESS was associated with both SNOT-22 and ETDQ-7 improvement (P < 0.001). Nasal polyposis was associated with a higher probability of ETDQ-7 normalization (OR 4.429, P = 0.035). Factors associated with failure of ETDQ-7 normalization included TMJD (OR 0.086, P < 0.001, 95% CI 0.019-0.391) and high preoperative ETDQ-7 (OR 0.140, P = 0.006, 95% CI 0.032-0.613).

CONCLUSION

In patients with clinically significant ETD symptoms without MEE, FESS was associated with ETDQ-7 improvement. Nasal polyposis was associated with an increased probability of normalization of ETD symptoms postoperatively, whereas TMJD had a negative association.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3b Laryngoscope, 2019.

A comparative clinical study of arthrogenous versus myogenous temporomandibular disorder in patients presenting with Costen's syndrome

Objective: Costen's syndrome involves otoneurological and sinonasal symptoms associated with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). The current study compared the symptoms related to Costen's syndrome in patients with arthrogenous versus myogenous TMD.Methods: The study involved 294 consecutive patients with TMD, prospectively examined over a period of 6 months. These were stratified into 180 patients with arthrogenous TMD and 114 patients with myogenous TMD. A questionnaire and examination protocol was applied for each patient.Results: Sinonasal symptoms were more common in the arthrogenous group (p = .001), whereas, hearing loss and vertigo were more common in the myogenous group (p = .001).Conclusion: The current study provides support for central nervous system neuroplastic changes in the genesis of Costen's syndrome symptoms.

Association Between Tinnitus and Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVES

Tinnitus is one of the most common otological symptoms in patients with temporomandibular disorders. This study aimed to investigate the possible association between tinnitus and temporomandibular disorders.

METHODS

The online databases of PubMed, Ovid, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science were explored for all English articles published until September 2018 using the combined keywords tinnitus and temporomandibular. Cross-sectional, cohort, or case-control studies that investigated the association between tinnitus and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) were considered. The quality of the included papers was assessed by the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool.

RESULTS

Twenty-two papers met the eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review. Meta-analysis was performed on 8 papers to investigate the possible relationship between tinnitus and TMDs by calculating the odds ratios. Odds ratios ranged from 1.78 to 7.79 in the studies related to tinnitus frequency in temporomandibular disorders and from 1.80 to 7.79 in the papers linked to temporomandibular disorder frequency in tinnitus, indicating a significant association between tinnitus and temporomandibular disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a strong relationship between tinnitus occurrence and TMDs. The findings implied the significance of exploring the signs of TMDs in patients with tinnitus as well as tinnitus in those who complain from temporomandibular disorders.

Association Between Subjective Tinnitus and Cervical Spine or Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review

Movements of the neck and jaw may modulate the loudness and pitch of tinnitus. The aim of the present study was to systematically analyze the strength of associations between subjective tinnitus, cervical spine disorders (CSD), and temporomandibular disorders (TMD). A systematic literature search of the Medline, Embase, and Pedro databases was carried out on articles published up to September 2017. This covered studies in which tinnitus and CSD or TMD were studied as a primary or a secondary outcome and in which outcomes were compared with a control group. Included articles were evaluated on nine methodological quality criteria. Associations between tinnitus and CSD or TMD were expressed as odds ratios. In total, 2,139 articles were identified, of which 24 studies met the inclusion criteria. Twice, two studies were based on the same data set; consequently, 22 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Methodological quality was generally limited by a lack of blinding, comparability of groups, and nonvalidated instruments for assessing CSD. Results indicated that patients with tinnitus more frequently reported CSD than subjects without tinnitus. The odds ratio was 2.6 (95% CI [1.1, 6.4]). For TMD, a bidirectional association with tinnitus was found; odds ratios ranged from 2.3 (95%CI [1.5, 3.6]) for arthrogenous TMD to 6.7 (95%CI [2.4, 18.8]) for unspecified TMD. Funnel plots suggested a publication bias. After adjusting for this, the odds ratios decreased, but associations persisted. There is weak evidence for an association between subjective tinnitus and CSD and a bidirectional association between tinnitus and TMD.

A comparative clinical and radiographic study on patients with chronic facial pain with and without temporomandibular disorder presenting to an otolaryngology clinic

Objective: Facial pain associated with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) is considered a component of Costen's syndrome. However, prior to the current study, no previous clinical and radiographic studies have addressed facial pain in patients with TMD. Methods: The study included 212 patients with chronic facial pain examined in an otolaryngology clinic. These were stratified into 132 patients with TMD and 80 patients without TMD. Clinical and radiographic findings were documented in both groups. Results: Forty-eight patients in the TMD group had normal endoscopic findings and clear CT scans and had their facial pain directly attributable to TMD. Conclusion: In patients presenting with facial pain, where nasal endoscopy reveals no abnormality, TMD should be specifically addressed, especially if CT scans of the paranasal sinuses are clear.

Tinnitus as a comorbidity to temporomandibular disorders-A systematic review

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the prevalence of tinnitus in patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and the possible effects of TMD treatment on tinnitus symptoms. A search of the PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane databases from inception of each database up to January 2017 found 222 articles. After independent screening of abstracts by two of the authors, we assessed 46 articles in full text. The inclusion and exclusion criteria reduced these to 25 articles of which 22 studies reported prevalence based on 13 358 patients and 33 876 controls, and eight studies reported effect of TMD treatment on tinnitus based on 536 patients and 18 controls. The prevalence of tinnitus in patients with TMD varied from 3.7% to 70% (median 42.3%) whereas the prevalence in control groups without TMD varied between 1.7% and 26% (median 12%). The eight treatment studies indicated that treatment of TMD symptoms may have a beneficial effect on severity of tinnitus. However, only one treatment study included a control group, meaning that the overall level of evidence is low. The finding that tinnitus is more common in patients with TMD means that it can be regarded as a comorbidity to TMD. However, in view of the lack of evidence currently available, further well-designed and randomised studies with control groups are needed to investigate whether possible mechanisms common to tinnitus and TMD do exist and whether TMD treatment can be justified to try to alleviate tinnitus in patients with TMD and comorbidity of tinnitus.