Voice-related disability of Iranian patients with temporomandibular disorders.

INTRODUCTION

The relationship between handicaps because of voice disorders and temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) severity was examined.

METHOD: Fifty-two Persian women with temporomandibular disorder (TMD) were examined by two dentists in separate sessions and the assessment protocol of the Dentistry Clinic of Tehran University of Medical Sciences was filled by both dentists and finally they gave their opinion separately about the existence of TMD and categorized the severity of TMD as mild, moderate, and severe. To assess perceived disability resulting from voice disorders in TMD patients, the voice handicap index (VHI) questionnaire was used.

RESULTS

The total score of VHI in 80.8% of patients with TMD was equal to or more than 14.5. A significant positive relationship was found between the severity of TMD and the total score of VHI (P = 0.000, r = 0.79).

CONCLUSIONS

It seems that a comprehensive voice assessment should be included in the evaluation of TMD, and considering different effects of voice disorders on patients' lives, a complete voice evaluation including voice-related disability is necessary to understand the nature of pathophysiology of TMD.