/Objectives : Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) affects a third of the adult population and has been associated with otologic symptoms. These symptoms are frequently misattributed to primary otologic diseases, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment....
Audiologists should consider temporomandibular disorder (TMD) as a differential when patients present with unexplained otalgia (ear pain), tinnitus, or aural fullness, particularly when otologic examination is unremarkable — referral to a TMD specialist may be warranted.
Given that TMD affects roughly one-third of adults and its ear symptoms are frequently misattributed, improving audiologist awareness could reduce unnecessary otologic workups and shorten time to correct diagnosis.
- 01TMD (jaw joint disorder) affects approximately one-third of adults and commonly causes ear symptoms.
- 02Ear symptoms from TMD include pain, tinnitus (ringing), aural fullness, and hearing changes.
- 03These symptoms are frequently misattributed to primary ear conditions, delaying correct diagnosis.
- 04The review outlines the anatomical and neurological links between the jaw joint and the ear.
- 05Published in Diagnostics (doi: 10.3390/diagnostics16121757).
Temporomandibular disorder affects approximately one-third of adults.
studysupportedEar symptoms in TMD patients are frequently misattributed to primary otologic conditions.
studysupported- PMID
- 42351418
- DOI
- 10.3390/diagnostics16121757.
- Journal
- Diagnostics
- Publication type
- review
- Evidence level
- 5
- Population
- Adults with temporomandibular disorder presenting with otologic symptoms
- Intervention
- Review of otologic manifestations associated with TMD
Primary outcomes
Characterization of otologic symptoms attributable to TMD; Identification of diagnostic challenges and misattribution patterns