Auriculo-vestibular symptoms related to structural and functional disorders of stomatognatic system

Auriculo-vestibular symptoms are otolaryngological complaints which frequently co-occur with functional disorders of masticatory organ. These symptoms include: earache, plugged ears sensation, sudden hearing impairment, burning pain of the throat, tinnitus, and dizziness. The aim of the study was assessment of co-occurrence of functional disorders of masticatory organ and auriculo-vestibular symptoms, in patients referred for otolaryngological treatment. Forty-two patients aged 24-46 years of both sexes referred for otolaryngological treatment, because of auriculo-vestibular symptoms, were qualified to our study within the framework of research project. After otolaryngological diagnostics (Department of Otolaryngology), these patients were referred for prosthetic consultation to the Department of Dental Prosthetics of Jagiellonian University Medical College. In Otolaryngology Clinic the following specialist examinations were carried out: basic clinical examinations, including otoscopy, tuning fork trials, tonal and verbal audiometry, and tympanometry. These examinations were supplemented with electronystagmometry. On prosthetic consultation, specialist functional investigations of masticatory organ, and electromyographic assessment of the activity of masseter muscles and the anterior part of the temporal muscle, were carried out. Results of the investigation revealed otolarygological causes of the reported symptoms in 30 patients, whereas in 12 patients (out of 42 patients referred for prosthetic consultation), numerous functional disorders of the stomatognathic system were observed. The investigation confirmed the occurrence of functional disorders in patients with auriculo-vestibular symptoms and appropriateness of treatment by a multi-specialist team.