Relationship between the impact of tinnitus and craniofacial and cervical disability, dizziness, and emotional symptoms in individuals with temporomandibular disorders

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between tinnitus impact and craniofacial and cervical disability, dizziness, anxiety, and depression in individuals with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) and self-reported tinnitus. METHODS: A cross-sectional study. Fifty individuals with TMDs and tinnitus completed the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Neck Disability Index (NDI), Craniofacial Pain and Disability Inventory (CF-PDI), Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Prevalence, correlation. and a multiple linear regression were calculated to verify the association between THI and variables assessed. RESULTS: Individuals with TMD and tinnitus impact have higher prevalence of cervical disability, higher prevalence of dizziness-related impact and higher prevalence of depressive symptoms than those with TMD and no tinnitus impact. THI scores presented positive and moderate correlations with NDI and HADS and 22% of its variance was explained by anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSION: Findings highlight the interplay between emotional and musculoskeletal factors, suggesting comprehensive and multidisciplinary management.