Postoperative auditory outcomes in total temporomandibular joint replacement: fossa-canal proximity and tinnitus risk

Total temporomandibular joint replacement (TMJR) is an established treatment for advanced ankylosis; however, postoperative auditory complications, such as tinnitus, remain poorly characterized. This post-hoc observational analysis evaluated whether postoperative prosthetic fossa-external auditory meatus (EAM) distance is associated with postoperative tinnitus after TMJR for ankylosis, and explored preoperative...

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✦ The floor

Discussion

Signed responses from readers of the wire.

✦ Clinical Takeaway ✦

Audiologists should be aware that total TMJ replacement may carry tinnitus and auditory complication risks related to implant positioning near the ear canal; post-surgical auditory monitoring is warranted, but clinical protocols should await higher-quality evidence before formal guideline changes.

✦ Why It Matters ✦

As total TMJ replacement becomes more common, understanding its auditory side-effect profile—including tinnitus risk linked to implant anatomy—equips audiologists to better screen and manage patients referred post-operatively.

✦ Key Points ✦

01Total TMJ replacement may cause postoperative tinnitus and other hearing complications.
02Proximity of the prosthetic fossa component to the ear canal is examined as a key risk factor.
03Findings could inform surgical planning and post-op auditory monitoring protocols.
04Study design is observational; causality between fossa-canal distance and tinnitus cannot be firmly established.
05Published in International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (2026); PMID 42392891.

✦ Claims & Evidence ✦

ClaimEvidenceSupport

Closer fossa-canal proximity during total TMJ replacement increases the risk of postoperative tinnitus.

studypartially supported

Total TMJ replacement is associated with measurable postoperative auditory complications.

studypartially supported

✦ Research metadata ✦

PMID: 42392891
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2026.06.026.
Journal: International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Publication type: research_article
Evidence level: 4
Population: Patients undergoing total temporomandibular joint replacement surgery
Intervention: Total temporomandibular joint (TMJ) replacement with prosthetic implant

Primary outcomes

Postoperative tinnitus incidence; Auditory outcome changes post-surgery; Association between fossa-canal proximity and auditory complications

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