J Maxillofac Oral Surg. 2023 Sep;22(3):571-578. doi: 10.1007/s12663-022-01696-4. Epub 2022 Feb 28.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of dry needling on the masseter muscle in the perception of tinnitus in patients with temporomandibular disorder.

METHODS: Twenty-five patients with tinnitus and muscular temporomandibular disorders were randomly assigned to groups study (n = 13) and control (n = 12). Three sessions of dry needling (study) and sham (control) were performed. Follow-up was performed 30, 60 and 90 days after the end of treatment. The Analog Visual Scale and Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) were used to evaluate the treatment.

RESULTS: In study group, 76.9% presented a reduction in the intensity and tinnitus discomfort and total THI. In control group, 66.7% presented a decrease in tinnitus intensity and total THI, and 58.3% reported a decrease in tinnitus discomfort. After 90 days, in the study group, 84.6% maintained improvement in pain intensity and reduction in THI score and 69.2% reported improvement in both intensity and discomfort caused by tinnitus. In control group, 75% achieved improvement in pain intensity, 33.2% maintained improvement in tinnitus intensity, and 41.7% maintained improvement in discomfort caused by tinnitus and total THI. In the total THI score, the study group presented improvement (p = 0.041).

CONCLUSION: Dry needling combined with counseling was associated with improvement in pain intensity and tinnitus, decrease in tinnitus discomfort and reduction in total THI score.

PMID:37534338 | PMC:PMC10390393 | DOI:10.1007/s12663-022-01696-4