Effect of manual therapy on tinnitus in patients with TMJ

Abstract

Background: Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) is a frequent manifestation in the Lebanese population. It comes up frequently as a diagnosis for a myriad of symptoms. Tinnitus, along with headaches and referred otalgia are among the common presentations. Methods: A retrospective study investigated the difference in tinnitus severity between physiotherapy (interventional group) and the control group (no intervention) in patients with TMJ using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score. Results: THI was significantly reduced in the physiotherapy group. Gender appears to affect the outcome in favor of women, most likely due to their positive response to physiotherapy. Conclusion: Physiotherapy along with patient education about oral parafunctional habits significantly reduces the severity of tinnitus. Females appear to benefit more than males, most likely due to their positive response to initiating therapy.