Ear pruritus: a new otologic finding related to temporomandibular disorder

This prospective clinical study evaluated the correlation among temporomandibular disorder (TMD), otologic manifestations, and parafunctional habits in a sample of 100 patients with TMD. The subjects were evaluated by clinical examination, use of a simplified anamnestic questionnaire for TMD diagnosis, and the investigation of otologic manifestations and parafunctional habits of the stomatognathic system. The prevalence of TMD and correlations with otologic manifestations and parafunctional habits were calculated. Patients ranged in age from 13 to 70 years, and 79.0% of the patients were between the ages of 30 and 59 years. Women represented 88.0% of the sample. Otologic manifestations were found in 92.0% of patients with TMD. Sex showed a significant correlation with severity of TMD (P = 0.024). A significant correlation was observed between female patients and both otalgia (P = 0.036) and ear pruritus (P < 0.001). Otalgia showed a significant association with the symptoms of TMD (P = 0.003). Significant correlations between severe TMD and otalgia (P < 0.001), tinnitus (P = 0.010), ear pruritus (P < 0.001), and aural fullness (P = 0.014) were also observed. Ear pruritus, otalgia, and aural fullness are the most common otologic manifestations in patients with TMD, showing a significant correlation with the female sex, severity of TMD, and frequency of TMD symptoms.