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...

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.

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.

1. 01Total TMJ replacement may cause postoperative tinnitus and other hearing complications.
2. 02Proximity of the prosthetic fossa component to the ear canal is examined as a key risk factor.
3. 03Findings could inform surgical planning and post-op auditory monitoring protocols.
4. 04Study design is observational; causality between fossa-canal distance and tinnitus cannot be firmly established.
5. 05Published in International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (2026); PMID 42392891.

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