The effect of temporomandibular joint arthroscopy on ear function.

Many patients with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction also complain of subjective symptoms of ear dysfunction. This study was undertaken to evaluate preoperatively patients with ear complaints associated with TMJ pain and dysfunction and to examine the effect of essentially uncomplicated TMJ arthroscopy on subsequent ear function. Fourteen patients (22 joints) were examined arthroscopically. The patients were evaluated by an otologist, and hearing tests were obtained pre- and post-operatively. All patients had normal audiometric studies preoperatively, and these remained unchanged postoperatively. It was concluded that uncomplicated arthroscopy of the TMJ does not cause ear dysfunction.