Banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO: JULIANA CIRILO SOARES DE SOUZA

Uma banca de QUALIFICAÇÃO de MESTRADO foi cadastrada pelo programa.
STUDENT : JULIANA CIRILO SOARES DE SOUZA
DATE: 19/12/2025
TIME: 16:00
LOCAL: HÍBRIDO
TITLE:

Influence of Tinnitus-Related Distress and Impact in Different Somatosensory
Tinnitus Subtypes: A Cross-Sectional Study

KEY WORDS:

Tinnitus; Somatosensory Tinnitus; Quality of Life; Symptom
Burden.

PAGES: 38
BIG AREA: Ciências da Saúde
AREA: Fisioterapia e Terapia Ocupacional
SUMMARY:

Background: Somatosensory tinnitus (SST) is a subtype of subjective tinnitus
in which alterations in somatosensory afference originating from the cervical
and temporomandibular regions that changes the individual's perception of
tinnitus. Individuals with SST present higher levels of discomfort, which
significantly affects quality of life, interferes with sleep, impacts emotional
status, and increases stress levels in this population when compared to
individuals without a somatosensory influence. Although the literature clearly
describes the association between tinnitus and cervical and
temporomandibular dysfunctions, there are currently few studies that evaluate
the differences or similarities in outcomes associated with tinnitus between
different subtypes of somatosensory influence. Objective: To compare
tinnitus-related discomfort and impact among individuals with different
somatosensory tinnitus subtypes (cervical, temporomandibular, or mixed).
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study approved by the Research Ethics
Committee (No. 4.471.809), including individuals of both sexes, older than 18
years, presenting with tinnitus complaints. Patients received a multidisciplinary
evaluation to identify the etiology of tinnitus, performed by an
otorhinolaryngologist, audiologist, and a physical therapist. After the physical
therapist identified the presence of somatosensory influence, individuals were
grouped according to the predominant subtype of influence (cervical,
temporomandibular, or mixed). Sociodemographic and clinical data (otological
symptoms, medications, and comorbidities), in addition to tinnitus
characteristics were collected. Tinnitus discomfort was measured using the
Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), the impact of tinnitus on Quality of Life was
assessed using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), and worsening factors

and impairments associated with tinnitus were evaluated through patients’ self-
report. Preliminary Results: A total of 67 individuals participated in the study,

of whom 34 were classified as SST and 33 as non-SST. Among participants,
88.2% were female, with a median age of 61.0 (50.7–66.0) years, and 76.5%
presented hearing impairment according to audiometry results. The SST group
was divided into three subgroups, with nine individuals in the cervical (CER)
group, nine in the temporomandibular (TEMP) group, and twelve in the mixed
(MIS) group. Regarding perception of tinnitus discomfort, no differences were
found among SST subtypes (p > 0.05). Concerning tinnitus impact classification
based on THI scores, no significant differences were observed among SST
subtypes (p = 0.173); however, the MIS group had most of its participants
classified as having catastrophic impact (37.5%). Noise exposure was the most
self-reported factor associated with tinnitus worsening among individuals with
temporomandibular influence (p = 0.43). Stress, consumption of stimulating
foods, and use of ototoxic medications did not show significant differences
among SST subtypes (p > 0.05). Regarding tinnitus-related impairments in
daily activities, sleep, social life, and emotional aspects, no significant
differences were observed among groups with different SST subtypes (p >
0.05). Final Considerations: It is expected that the continuation of this study
may contribute to the evaluation of patients with tinnitus, considering the
regions of greatest somatosensory influence (cervical, temporomandibular, or
mixed), not only in relation to clinical aspects but also in the psychosocial
context, aiming toward the development of more targeted therapeutic
approaches.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
Presidente - 4374835 - KARYNA MYRELLY OLIVEIRA BEZERRA DE FIGUEIREDO RIBEIRO
Externa ao Programa - 1639565 - LIDIANE MARIA DE BRITO MACEDO FERREIRA - nullExterno à Instituição - LUIZ FELIPE TAVARES - UOS