Otologic Symptoms and Quality of Life in Individuals with Temporomandibular Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study

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Objective: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) occurs as a result of alterations in the masticatory muscles and temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Otologic symptoms such as earache, hearing loss, and tinnitus may be observed in TMD patients and may impair quality of life (QOL). This paper aims to evaluate the frequency of otological symptoms, and their association with QOL in TMD patients.
 Methods: The archival records of patients who applied to the Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic of Ordu University with TMD complaints between December 2022 and August 2023 were reviewed retrospectively. Demographic data, otological symptoms such as tinnitus, hearing loss, and earache, and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores regarding QOL and masticatory efficacy were recorded.
 Results: One hundred-four patients (83 females, 21 males), with a mean age of 35.75 ± 15.09 years were included. No significant differences were observed among patients with/without earache, tinnitus, and hearing loss in terms of QOL and masticatory efficiency scores (p > 0.05), except significant difference between patients with/without tinnitus in terms of QOL (p < 0.01). No significant differences were observed between genders in QOL and masticatory efficiency scores (p > 0.05).
 Conclusion: The frequency of otologic symptoms in TMD patients is high and tinnitus significantly impacts the QOL. For the optimum management of TMD patients with otological symptoms a multidisciplinary approach with dental clinicians and otolaryngologists should be performed.