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TinnitusNCT07460193

CBCT and Audiological Analysis of the TMJ-Tinnitus Relationship

An observational study of Tinnitus and Temporomandibular Joint Disorders, run by Kutahya Health Sciences University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

Not yet recruiting

Opening soon. The study is approved but enrolment has not started yet. Sites may already take enquiries.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) and subjective tinnitus at both morphological and functional levels. Current literature suggests that somatosensory inputs from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and masticatory muscles can modulate auditory pathways, a… Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
What is being tested?
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), Audiological Assessment and Clinical TMJ Examination
How many people
50 participants
Where
1 siteTurkey (Türkiye)
Study dates
1 Apr 2026to 1 Jul 2026
Phase
Observational
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Study population: Patients who applied to the Otorhinolaryngology clinic with tinnitus complaints and were subsequently diagnosed with TMD in the Dentomaxillofacial Radiology clinic

Who may be able to join

  • Patients aged 18 years and older.
  • Patients presenting with otological symptoms such as tinnitus and ear pain.
  • Patients diagnosed with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) based on clinical and radiographic examination.
  • Patients who have been referred for CBCT imaging as part of their routine diagnostic process for TMD.
  • Willingness to provide written informed consent to participate in the study.

Who cannot join

  • Presence of objective tinnitus (e.g., vascular or muscular origin).
  • History of chronic otitis media or other middle ear pathologies that could cause hearing loss or tinnitus.
  • Previous history of temporomandibular joint surgery or major maxillofacial trauma.
  • Presence of systemic metabolic bone diseases or inflammatory rheumatic diseases (e.g., Rheumatoid Arthritis).
  • History of malignancy in the head and neck region.
  • Pregnancy (due to CBCT imaging contraindication).
  • Neurological or psychological disorders that would prevent cooperation during clinical and audiological examinations.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

EDA İZGİ, Asst. Prof. contact

+905543578814

eda.ucbas@ksbu.edu.tr

Turkey (Türkiye)1 site
  • Kütahya Health Sciences University

    Kütahya, Kütahya, 43020

    EDA İZGİ, Asst. Prof., +905543578814, eda.izgi@ksbu.edu.tr

    TURAN CANMURAT İZGİ, Asst. Prof., +905065076806, canmuratizgi@gmail.com

Other trials in Turkey (Türkiye)

About this study

Official title: Investigation of the Interaction Between Temporomandibular Joint and Tinnitus Using CBCT and Audiological Methods: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study

The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) and subjective tinnitus at both morphological and functional levels. Current literature suggests that somatosensory inputs from the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and masticatory muscles can modulate auditory pathways, a phenomenon known as Somatosensory Tinnitus. However, the specific role of TMJ bone morphology and critical neighboring structures, such as the Petrotympanic Fissure (PTF), in this interaction remains unclear.

In this clinical study, patients with tinnitus will undergo a comprehensive evaluation including Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) to quantitatively analyze condylar morphology and osteoarthritic changes. Additionally, audiological tests will be performed to assess the functional state of the auditory system. This multidisciplinary approach aims to clarify the biological link between TMD and tinnitus, potentially improving diagnostic protocols and highlighting the importance of TMJ stabilization in tinnitus management.

Read the detailed description

Background and Rationale:

Tinnitus is defined as the conscious perception of sound in the absence of an external acoustic source. Subjective tinnitus, the most common form, is often associated with neuroplastic changes in the central auditory pathways. A specific subtype, Somatosensory Tinnitus (ST), occurs when afferent somatosensory input from the upper cervical or temporomandibular region modulates tinnitus perception. This interaction is mediated through neural connections between the Dorsal Cochlear Nucleus (DCN) and somatosensory nuclei in the brainstem. Clinical observations indicate a high prevalence of Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) among tinnitus patients, suggesting a biological link where TMD symptoms (pain, restricted movement, and muscle activity) influence the spontaneous neuronal firing rates in the auditory centers.

Study Objectives:

While evidence points to a strong interaction between TMJ somatosensory input and tinnitus, the roles of auditory function and TMJ bone morphology-specifically condylar changes and the Petrotympanic Fissure (PTF)-remain under-investigated. This study aims to provide a comprehensive multidisciplinary analysis by evaluating the auditory system through audiological tests and examining morphological changes in TMJ bone tissues using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT).

Methodology:

Patients presenting to the Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) clinic with otological complaints (tinnitus and ear pain) and suspected of having TMD will be referred to the Dentomaxillofacial Radiology clinic.

Clinical Evaluation: A standardized anamnesis will be recorded, including demographics, systemic health, and bruxism history. Physical examination will involve bilateral palpation of the TMJ and masticatory muscles, alongside measurements of maximum mouth opening, lateral excursions, and protrusive movements.

Radiographic Protocol: CBCT images will be acquired using the Instrumentarium OP300 Dental unit (89 kvP, 4-12 mA) with patients in an upright position and maximum intercuspation.

Image Analysis: Using OnDemand 3D Dental software, a radiologist with 10 years of experience will evaluate:

Condylar Morphology: Classified as convex, round, angled, or flat.

Osteoarthritic Changes: Presence of flattening, resorption, subchondral cysts, sclerosis, and osteophytes.

Glenoid Fossa \& PTF: Fossa depth will be measured. The PTF morphology will be categorized according to the Sato et al. classification:

Type 1 (Open): Fissure clearly visible.

Type 2 (Partially Open): Fissure partially closed.

Type 3 (Closed): Fissure completely ossified.

Hypothesis:

The investigators hypothesize that normalizing afferent input from the temporomandibular region through multidisciplinary TMD management may alleviate tinnitus symptoms, and that specific morphological variations in the TMJ/PTF complex are correlated with the severity of subjective tinnitus.

Being tested
Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), Audiological Assessment, Clinical TMJ Examination
Keywords
Tinnitus, Temporomandibular Joint Disorders, Cone-Beam Computed Tomography, Audiometry
Medical subject headings
Tinnitus, Temporomandibular Joint Disorders, Osteoarthritis

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT)Diagnostic test

    High-resolution 3D imaging of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) using the Instrumentarium OP300 Dental unit. The procedure involves evaluating condylar morphology, osteoarthritic changes (flattening, resorption, osteophytes), and the anatomical structure of the Petrotympanic Fissure (PTF) based on the Sato et al. classification.

  • Audiological AssessmentDiagnostic test

    A comprehensive evaluation of the auditory system to determine hearing thresholds and the functional status of the ear. This includes pure tone audiometry and specific tests to characterize the frequency and intensity of tinnitus in the patient group.

  • Clinical TMJ ExaminationOther

    Systematic physical examination of the masticatory muscles and the TMJ. This includes bilateral palpation for pain and tenderness, assessment of mandibular range of motion (maximal mouth opening, lateral and protrusive movements), and recording of joint sounds (clicking or crepitation).

Study groups in NCT07460193
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
TMD with Tinnitus (Case Group)Patients diagnosed with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) based on clinical examination and history, who also report co-existing subjective tinnitus. This group will be evaluated for both TMJ morphological changes (via CBCT) and audiological status.
Receives: Diagnostic Test: Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT); Diagnostic Test: Audiological Assessment; Other: Clinical TMJ Examination
TMD without Tinnitus (Control Group)Patients diagnosed with Temporomandibular Disorders (TMD) but who do not experience any form of tinnitus (subjective or objective). This group serves as a control to compare the specific TMJ morphological variations and audiological findings associated with the presence of tinnitus.
Receives: Diagnostic Test: Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT); Diagnostic Test: Audiological Assessment; Other: Clinical TMJ Examination

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Frequency of Petrotympanic Fissure (PTF) Morphological Types

    The morphology of the PTF will be categorized into three types according to the Sato et al. classification: Type 1 (Open), Type 2 (Partially Open), and Type 3 (Closed) using CBCT imaging.

    Measured: Baseline (at the time of the single CBCT scan during the initial clinical visit).

Secondary outcomes (3)
  1. Presence of Osteoarthritic Changes in the Mandibular Condyle

    Evaluation of degenerative changes including flattening, resorption, subchondral cysts, generalized sclerosis, and osteophytes on CBCT images. Each change will be recorded as "present" or "absent".

    Measured: Baseline.

  2. Pure Tone Thresholds

    Evaluation of hearing levels across standard frequencies (250 Hz to 8000 Hz) measured in decibels (dB).

    Measured: Baseline

  3. Maximum Pain-Free Mouth Opening

    Measurement of the distance between the incisal edges of the upper and lower central incisors during maximum mouth opening, recorded in millimeters (mm).

    Measured: Baseline.

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted10 Mar 2026
  2. Study start1 Apr 2026 (estimated)
  3. Primary completion1 May 2026 (estimated)
  4. Study completion1 Jul 2026 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Observational
Observational model
Cohort
Time perspective
Prospective
Enrolment
50 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT07460193
Sponsor's protocol ID
2026/02-45
Status last verified
Mar 2026
First submitted
20 Feb 2026
Last updated
10 Mar 2026
Results posted
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No: The individual participant data will not be available to other researchers to maintain patient confidentiality and as per the ethics committee approval.

Publications

  • Cakur B, Yasa Y. Correlation Between Tinnitus and Petrotympanic Fissure Status Among Patients With Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction. J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2016 Jan;74(1):47-52. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2015.07.020. Epub 2015 Jul 31.

    PubMed 26279489
  • Buergers R, Kleinjung T, Behr M, Vielsmeier V. Is there a link between tinnitus and temporomandibular disorders? J Prosthet Dent. 2014 Mar;111(3):222-7. doi: 10.1016/j.prosdent.2013.10.001. Epub 2013 Nov 25.

    PubMed 24286640
  • Sato I, Arai H, Asaumi R, Imura K, Kawai T, Yosue T. Classifications of tunnel-like structure of human petrotympanic fissure by cone beam CT. Surg Radiol Anat. 2008 Jun;30(4):323-6. doi: 10.1007/s00276-008-0327-4. Epub 2008 Feb 21.

    PubMed 18288438

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

An observational study of Tinnitus and Temporomandibular Joint Disorders, run by Kutahya Health Sciences University at 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye).

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Turkey (Türkiye). Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact EDA İZGİ, Asst. Prof. (+905543578814, eda.ucbas@ksbu.edu.tr), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Frequency of Petrotympanic Fissure (PTF) Morphological Types (time frame: Baseline (at the time of the single CBCT scan during the initial clinical visit).). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07460193, which also lists 3 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 10 Mar 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 7 Nov 2026.

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