Correlation Between Tinnitus and Petrotympanic Fissure Status Among Patients With Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction

PurposeThe objective of this study was to evaluate the correlation between tinnitus and petrotympanic fissure (PTF) subtypes in patients diagnosed with temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD).Materials and MethodsOne hundred patients with TMD (50 with tinnitus, 50 without tinnitus) were evaluated retrospectively using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). CBCT images were analyzed according to PTF subtype diagnosis (types 1 to 3). PTF structure was classified as type 1 (wide tubular formation), type 2 (double conical structure), or type 3 (single conical structure).ResultsAlthough there was a negative correlation between tinnitus and PTF type (P < .001), there was no correlation between age and tinnitus or between age and subtype of PTF. There was no significant association between gender and tinnitus or PTF type (P > .05).ConclusionsA short, wide PTF (type 1) might be associated with an increased incidence of tinnitus in patients with TMD.