Keywords: otalgia, temporomandibular disorder, tinnitus

Abstract: Introduction: Since Costen's syndrome was described in 1934, temporomandibular disorders (TMD) have been involved in the origin or aggravation of ear symptoms. Material and methods: This work analysed prospectively patients with otalgia referred to the Otorhinolaryngology Department of University of São Paulo Medical School in a 3-month period. Results: Among 523 patients there were 90 (17.2%) with isolated TMD (ear affections absent), with marked predominance of females male: 4.2 females) and subjects in the fourth decade of life (26,7%). Symptoms frequently associated to TMD were head ache (54.4%), tinnitus (51.1%), perception of temporomandibular joint sounds (37.8%) and dizziness (31.1%). Dental status was altered in 80% of cases, with malocclusion in 63.3%. Painful palpation of temporomandibular structures occurred in 55.6% of cases. Conclusion: The authors conclude that TMD is a very common cause of otalgia, especially in females in the fourth decade of life, and alert otorhinolaryngologists to the importance of proper diagnosis and management of TMD in patients with aural symptoms.