Temporomandibular joint herniation into the external auditory canal presenting as clicking tinnitus: A case report

ABSTRACT

Background

Herniation of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) into the external auditory canal (EAC) due to a bony defect in the EAC is rare. Such bony defects can be secondary to inflammation, neoplasm, trauma. In rare instances, TMJ herniation can occur when the Huschke foramen is constantly exposed. TMJ herniation can induce clicking tinnitus, otalgia, conductive hearing loss, and otorrhea, but can also present with no symptoms. This study reports a case of TMJ herniation.

Clinical presentation

A male patient presented with clicking tinnitus that had developed 3 years ago. Dome-shaped soft tissue was found on the anterior EAC wall, which protruded and depressed with mouth movement. The patient underwent surgical reconstruction of the bony defect with titanium mesh, and the symptoms resolved after surgery.

Conclusion

This case highlights the importance of surgical reconstruction of a bony defect in the EAC using appropriate materials.

KEYWORDS:

• temporomandibular joint
• tinnitus
• external auditory canal

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.