Temporomandibular disorders and tinnitus: Bridging the gap between orofacial pain and auditory dysfunction

Title : Temporomandibular disorders and tinnitus: Bridging the gap between orofacial pain and auditory dysfunction

Abstract:

Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD), a leading cause of non-dental orofacial pain, have been shown to have a notable association with tinnitus, defined as he perception of sound in the absence of an external source. Increasingly reported in up to 60% of TMD patients, tinnitus often emerges as a secondary complaint during dental consultations. This presentation examines the anatomical and neurophysiological interplay between the  temporomandibular joint, masticatory musculature, and the auditory system, emphasizing how dysfunction in the orofacial region may contribute to somatosensory modulation of tinnitus. By exploring shared etiological mechanisms, diagnostic challenges, and clinical features, we aim to bridge the gap between orofacial pain and auditory dysfunction. Given their central role in managing TMD, dental and orofacial pain specialists are uniquely positioned to recognize and address tinnitus in affected patients. A multidisciplinary, biopsychosocial approach is essential to optimize outcomes and provide effective, evidence-based care for individuals suffering from both conditions.

Biography:

Dr. Naser Khayat, BDS, MSc in Orthodontics, and PhD in Orofacial Pain, is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Orthodontics – Postgraduate Program at both Al-Quds University and the Arab American University in Palestine. He has authored numerous publications in internationally indexed journals and is a frequent speaker at Arabic and international dental and orthodontic conferences. He is an active member of several prestigious professional organizations, including the World Federation of Orthodontists (WFO), the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), the International Association for Orthodontics (IAO), Progressive Orthodontic Seminars (POS), the European Academy of Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction (EAOPD), and the European Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (EADSM). He is the founder and president of the Palestinian Academy for Orofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Medicine, and also serves as the founder and vice president of the Arab Society of Orofacial Pain & Dysfunction. Through his academic, clinical, and leadership roles, he continues to contribute significantly to the advancement of orthodontics, orofacial pain, and dental sleep medicine in Palestine and the broader region.