Otalgia in patients with temporomandibular joint disorders

Otalgia without organic causes is a common symptom in temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) patients even though the etiology is controversial. Investigations of the influence of TMD treatment on otalgia are scarce. This follow-up study analyzed the clinical profile of TMD patients with otalgia and evaluated the treatment outcome. A total of 400 consecutive TMD patients (75% women) were divided in two groups: group 1 consisted of 233 patients (58%) with no complaint of ear symptoms and group 2 consisted of 167 patients (42%) with complaint of otalgia. The patients were examined with a standardized protocol and treated similarly with conservative methods. Group 2 was referred and examined by otolaryngologists. Otalgia patients (group 2) had statistically significantly higher pain scores (p 0.02). They belonged to the greater dysfunction scores (Di III) according to the Helkimo Pain and Dysfunction index (41%) vs. 24%; p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant association with pain on condyle palpation and otalgia (p < 0.01). One year after the first examination, the patients exhibited no pain or occasionally mild pain in 66% (group 1) and 74% (group 2) (p 0.35). Of the otalgia patients, 48% no longer had otalgia and 32% of the patients experienced mild or occasional otalgia. The changes in dysfunction scores after 1 year revealed significant improvement. No difference was found between group 1 and 2 in pain and dysfunction score. For the dysfunction index readings 0 and I, 77% and 73% had no or only mild symptoms (Di 0 and I). The conclusions of this study are that TMD patients with otalgia are not a separate TMD group and they responded well to conservative treatment.