Myofascial pain and dysfunction as predictors of tinnitus in adults: a case-control study

To evaluate the association of symptoms of myofascial pain and dysfunction with the presence of tinnitus in adults.

Audiologists should consider screening for myofascial pain and jaw/neck dysfunction in tinnitus patients, as this case-control study suggests a meaningful association; however, causality is not established, so no change to tinnitus treatment protocols is warranted yet.

If myofascial dysfunction is confirmed as a predictor of tinnitus, it could open interdisciplinary treatment pathways — such as physical therapy or dental referral — for a subset of tinnitus sufferers.

1. 01Case-control study of 80 adults compared myofascial pain/dysfunction symptoms between tinnitus and non-tinnitus groups.
2. 02Myofascial pain and dysfunction were associated with a higher likelihood of tinnitus presence.
3. 03Design is case-control, so causality cannot be inferred — only association.
4. 04Findings support a somatic (body-based) component in at least some tinnitus cases.
5. 05Highlights potential value of interdisciplinary referral (e.g., physical therapy, dentistry) in tinnitus management.

PMID

42443953

DOI

10.1186/s13005-026-00635-9.

Journal

Egyptian Journal of Otolaryngology

Publication type

research_article

Evidence level

3

Sample size

80

Population

Adults with and without tinnitus

Intervention

Assessment of myofascial pain and dysfunction symptoms

Comparator

Adults without tinnitus