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Introduction: Temporomandibular disorders are one of the most common reasons for patients attending dental clinics. Considering the complex anatomy of temporomandibular joint and its proximity to ear, joint disorders have been known as one the major reasons for aural symptoms such as tinnitus, otalgia, ear stuffiness feeling and vertigo. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of low level laser therapy (LLLT) in treating tinnitus originating from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Materials & Methods: In this randomized clinical trial, patients with symptoms and signs of tinnitus and otalgia were examined by an otolaryngologist. Patients with tinnitus and otalgia originating from TMJ were included in the study based on diagnoses reached by an oral medicine specialist. The subjects were randomized into the laser (n = 16) and control (n = 17) groups, using off-mode laser in the control group. In the laser group, the patients were treated with LT-R laser for 4 weeks in 12 sessions. The patients received laser beams in the ear area with a wavelength of 660 nm and a dose of 2.9 J/cm2. In addition, the patients received laser with a dose of 8 J/cm2 in the TMJ area and sensitive muscular regions. The tinnitus and otaliga intensity was evaluated with THI (tinnitus handicap inventory) and VAS (visual analog scale) at 4 time intervals and analyzed with paired t-test and Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney and Friedman tests. Results: In the laser group, both the THI and VAS scores decreased significantly (p value = 0.004). However, in the control group, pain intensity and tinnitus did not show any significant differences between the 4 time intervals (p value = 0.641). Conclusion: The results of this study showed the positive effect of low-level laser therapy on tinnitus and otalgia. However, long-term effects were not detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tinnitus is one of the most prevalent causes of the patients to the ear and hearing clinics that despite widespread effort of physicians and researchers all over the world, yet no comprehensive and low complication treatment have been provided for it. This study aimed to offer a new method to treat tinnitus using transcutaneous electrical stimulation. Method: This was an interventional experimental method study in Borujerd, Iran on 100 referral patients to the ENT (Ear Nose & Throat) clinic while complaining about drug-resistant permanent severe tinnitus. After complete audiometry examination and evaluating the cause of tinnitus, these patients underwent transcutaneous electrical stimulation by transcutaneus electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) device. To do so, an electrode covered by damp cloth with 12 mm diameter was placed on the ear of the patients and electrical stimulation with 150 kHz frequency was done for 10 minutes. This was done for 5 consecutive days. The data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: In this study, 70 out of 100 patients at least experienced two times of tinnitus for a few hours. Ten patients (10%) announced that they have achieved complete remission i.e. their tinnitus stopped completely. Twenty patients (20%) also stated that TENS device had not influenced on their tinnitus. Conclusion: Young people with short history of tinnitus with high frequency would be suitable candidates for implementing TENS. However, using TENS seems logical for those who were helpless due to tinnitus and the conventional therapies could not effect on it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]