Trial reportBrain and behavior2026
Targeting Tinnitus via Masseter Muscle Stimulation: Innovative Pencil-Electrode TENS Therapy for Bruxism-Associated Tinnitus.
Trial report in Brain and behavior, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
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Authors and funding
5 authors.
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No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
purposeThis study investigated the effects of pencil-electrode transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) applied to the masseter muscle on tinnitus severity, bruxism-related discomfort, and quality of life in individuals with chronic bruxism-associated tinnitus and normal hearing.
methodsThirty-one adults with normal hearing thresholds (≤ 20 dB HL at 0.5-4 kHz) and chronic subjective tinnitus related to bruxism were randomly assigned to a TENS group (n = 18; mean age: 41.4 ± 11.8 years) or a control group (n = 13; mean age: 36.9 ± 8.8 years). TENS was administered four times per week for 5 weeks. Outcome measures included the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Visual Analog Scale (VAS; 0-10, assessing bruxism-related jaw discomfort and tinnitus severity), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), Oral Behavior Checklist (OBC), mandibular range of motion (ROM), and SF-36 Quality of Life Scale. All questionnaires were administered at baseline and after completion of treatment.
resultsThe TENS group demonstrated significant reductions in THI total and subscale scores, VAS bruxism-related discomfort and tinnitus severity, anxiety (GAD-7), and oral parafunctional behaviors (OBC), along with significant improvements in mandibular ROM and SF-36 pain and general health subscales (p < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the control group.
conclusionPencil-electrode TENS applied to the masseter muscle appears to be an effective, non-invasive treatment for bruxism-associated tinnitus, potentially acting through somatosensory neuromodulation mechanisms.
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