Abstract

ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND:
The otologic symptoms are frequents in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder due to the proximity of the ear to the temporomandibular joint, TMJ pain can often be confused with ear pain.
OBJECTIVE:
To verify the frequency of otic signs and symptoms with TMJ disorder.
Study design: descriptive and transversal.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Thirty five patients, with pain complaint in tragus and peritragus area from otorhinolaringology department in Aljamhori Teaching Hospital in Mosul-Iraq. Patients with ear infection, even with TMJ disorder were selected and the ones with TMJ disorder with otalgia. Then sent to maxillofacial department to examine the TMJ. The data obtained were subdivided into two groups: TMJ disorder patients with otological exam in normal condition and TMJ disorder patients with abnormal otological condition.
RESULTS:
Thirty five patients, 14 men and 21 women aging from 18 to 75 years .There were 19 patients had TMJ disorder with otological examination in normal condition. Otalgia and TMJ tenderness were (89.74%) masticatory muscle tenderness (78.68%) and TMJ sound (63.15%), followed by itching and tinnitus (42.1% both). In second group all 16 patients with ear problems had TMJ tenderness (100%), were otalgia and itching (81.25%, 68.75%) respectively.
CONCLUSION:
The signs and symptoms most frequently associated with ear and TMJ disorder were TMJ tenderness, masticatory muscle tenderness- especially lateral pterygoid and temporalis -and click associated with otalgia; itching and tinnitus respectively. The results provide additional support for the notion that a relationship between temporomandibular disorder and otologic signs and symptoms does exit