Prevalence of signs and symptoms of craniomandibular disorders in tinnitus patients.

One hundred two tinnitus patients were examined to determine the prevalence of signs and symptoms of CMD. The examination comprised determination of the anamnestic and clinical dysfunction indices according to Helkimo; assessment of the dentition, occlusal factors, and signs of parafunctions; and accomplishment of a tension test. Patients also answered a questionnaire concerning the presence and frequency of CMD symptoms and headaches, as well as influence on tinnitus by mandibular movements, by pressure applied to the TMJ, or by dental therapy. Frequent headaches and fatigue/tenderness in jaw muscles were more prevalent in tinnitus patients than in epidemiologic samples, as was the prevalence of clinical findings of pain on palpation of masticatory muscles, impaired mandibular mobility, and signs of parafunctions. About one-third of the patients reported influence on tinnitus by mandibular movements and/or pressure applied to the TMJs. A theoretic model of causal connections between tinnitus and signs and symptoms of CMD in some tinnitus patients is suggested.