Otological symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis of the temporomandibular joint.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the current study was to describe the pattern of otological symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), having clinical temporomandibular joint (TMJ) involvement. This issue had not been previously addressed.

METHODS

A questionnaire and examination findings protocol was applied for 141 patients with RA and 141 control subjects.

RESULTS

Otological symptoms (otalgia, hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo), all had a significantly higher incidence in RA patients, compared to control subjects (P = .001).

CONCLUSION

The onset and maintenance of otological symptoms in patients with TMJ involvement by RA probably result from peripheral, as well as central nervous system alterations in sensory stimuli programming.