Tinnitus, temporomandibular disorders and muscle activity: what's the connection?

This study was aimed at comparatively evaluating the relationship between temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and subjective tinnitus, as well as the effects of TMD treatment on masticatory muscle activity, tinnitus symptoms, and patient perception. In this prospective cohort study, patients diagnosed with both TMD and tinnitus were divided into groups with or without bruxism....

✦ Clinical Takeaway ✦

TMD treatment may offer a meaningful secondary benefit for tinnitus in patients who have both conditions, but evidence strength should be checked before changing referral or co-treatment protocols; await fuller RCT-level data.

✦ Why It Matters ✦

Clarifying the jaw-tinnitus link could open an underused interdisciplinary pathway—audiology plus orofacial/dental care—for a subset of tinnitus patients who otherwise have limited treatment options.

✦ Key Points ✦

01Comparative study in Braz Oral Res examining the TMD–tinnitus relationship and muscle activity.
02Investigates whether treating TMD produces measurable improvement in subjective tinnitus outcomes.
03Highlights the role of masticatory (jaw) muscle activity as a potential mechanistic link.
04Supports interdisciplinary collaboration between audiologists and dental/orofacial specialists.
05Relevant for the somatosensory tinnitus subgroup, which may respond differently to sound-based therapies.

✦ Claims & Evidence ✦

ClaimEvidenceSupport

Temporomandibular disorder is associated with subjective tinnitus.

studypartially supported

Treatment of TMD has a positive effect on tinnitus outcomes.

studypartially supported

Jaw muscle activity mediates the relationship between TMD and tinnitus.

studyunclear

✦ Research metadata ✦

PMID: 42339866
DOI: 10.1590/1807-3107bor-2026.vol40.037.
Journal: Brazilian Oral Research
Publication type: research_article
Evidence level: 2b
Population: Individuals with temporomandibular disorder and co-occurring subjective tinnitus
Intervention: TMD treatment (type unspecified in abstract)
Comparator: Untreated or comparison group without TMD

Primary outcomes

Tinnitus severity or perception outcomes following TMD treatment; Masticatory muscle activity measurements

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