Somatosensory Intervention Targeting Temporomandibular Disorders and Awake Bruxism Positively Impacts Subjective Tinnitus

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the effects of a somatosensory education intervention targeting temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and awake bruxism on subjective tinnitus. Methods: This study had a pre-post-design in a primary care practice for orofacial physical therapy. Twenty-eight participants with the presence of TMD and suffering from moderate to severe subjective tinnitus, for at least 3 months, received the following treatments: (a) comprehensive information about tinnitus and the factors influencing it; (b) bruxism reversal training via a smartphone application; and (c) treatment for TMD. The primary outcome was the Tinnitus Functional Index (TFI). Secondary outcomes were awake bruxism frequency and the TMD pain screener. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Groningen, the Netherlands. Results: The mean (95% CI) reduction in TFI scores and awake bruxism frequency were 18.4 (13.2–23.5) and 16.6% (2.0–31.2%), respectively. A clinically relevant reduction of 13 points on the TFI was observed in 63% of the participants. Regression analysis revealed that factors associated with TFI change included the TFI initial score at T0 (0.3, 95% CI 0.0–0.6), the presence of daytime clenching (21.0, 95% CI 8.7–33.4), and stiffness or pain around the TMJ (10.6, 95% CI −1.9–23.0) at baseline. Conclusions: The findings suggest that tinnitus education, TMD treatment, combined with decreasing awake bruxism, can reduce tinnitus in a primary care setting.