Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Otalgia and Tinnitus Originating from Temporomandibular Joint

Temporomandibular disorders are one of the most common reasons for patients attending dental clinics. Considering the complex anatomy of temporomandibular joint and its proximity to ear, joint disorders have been known as one the major reasons for aural symptoms such as tinnitus, otalgia, ear stuffiness feeling and vertigo. The aim of this study was to examine the effectiveness of low level laser therapy (LLLT) in treating tinnitus originating from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
In this randomized clinical trial, patients with symptoms and signs of tinnitus and otalgia were examined by an otolaryngologist. Patients with tinnitus and otalgia originating from TMJ were included in the study based on diagnoses reached by an oral medicine specialist. The subjects were randomized into the laser (n = 16) and control (n = 17) groups, using off-mode laser in the control group. In the laser group, the patients were treated with LT-R laser for 4 weeks in 12 sessions. The patients received laser beams in the ear area with a wavelength of 660 nm and a dose of 2.9 J/cm2. In addition, the patients received laser with a dose of 8 J/cm2 in the TMJ area and sensitive muscular regions. The tinnitus and otaliga intensity was evaluated with THI (tinnitus handicap inventory) and VAS (visual analog scale) at 4 time intervals and analyzed with paired t-test and Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney and Friedman tests.
In the laser group, both the THI and VAS scores decreased significantly (p value = 0.004). However, in the control group, pain intensity and tinnitus did not show any significant differences between the 4 time intervals (p value = 0.641).
The results of this study showed the positive effect of low-level laser therapy on tinnitus and otalgia. However, long-term effects were not detected.