Somatosensory tinnitus

INTRODUCTION: Tinnitus is a frequent disorder defined as the perception of sound in the absence of an external sound source. The prevalence of tinnitus reported by different epidemiological studies varies widely. It is frequently associated with hearing loss, but it can also be present in the absence of hearing loss. In some patients, it can be evoked by sensory or motor stimuli such as muscle contractions, mechanical pressure on myofascial trigger points, cutaneous stimulation, or temporo-mandibular joint movements. This kind of tinnitus is called “somatosensory o somatic tinnitus.” The aim of this review was to evaluate the prevalence and the pathophysiology of somatosensory tinnitus, the characteristics of somatic modulation, and to identify the most appropriate therapy. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Several studies have been conducted to better understand the somatosensory tinnitus pathophysiology. The existence of neural connections between the auditory system and the cervical region can be assumed based on few animal studies. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The fact that the disease can occur in people with a severed auditory nerve shows that tinnitus can be caused by abnormal neural activity that is generated in the brain without the involvement of the ear. Current evidence supports a link, mainly for TMJ disorders, between the presence of a somatic disorder and higher modulation of tinnitus, especially in patients with a normal hearing threshold. CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for the correct identification of the underlying somatic disorder and for the success of the treatment.