Masseter Muscle Stimulation for Bruxism-Related Tinnitus

A new study from Ankara University provides evidence that a specific form of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) applied to the jaw muscle can reduce tinnitus severity and improve quality of life for people whose tinnitus is linked to bruxism, or teeth grinding. The research, involving 31 adults with normal hearing, found that a 5-week course of pencil-electrode TENS therapy led to significant improvements not only in tinnitus but also in jaw discomfort, anxiety, and oral parafunctional behaviors.

How the Study Tested Masseter Muscle TENS for Tinnitus

Led by researchers Zehra Aydoğan, Nazife Öztürk Özdeş, and Sevgi Kutlu, the team recruited adults with chronic subjective tinnitus who also had a diagnosis of bruxism and normal hearing thresholds. The 31 participants were randomly assigned to either an active treatment group (18 people) or a control group (13 people).

The treatment group received TENS therapy using a specific “pencil-electrode” design placed on the masseter muscle, the primary jaw muscle used for chewing. This therapy was administered four times per week for a total of five weeks. The control group did not receive this active stimulation. To measure outcomes, the researchers used a battery of established questionnaires and physical assessments both before and after the treatment period. These included the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Visual Analog Scales (VAS) for tinnitus severity and jaw discomfort, anxiety assessments (GAD-7), and the Oral Behavior Checklist (OBC). They also measured mandibular range of motion and used the SF-36 to assess quality of life.

Significant Reductions in Tinnitus and Related Symptoms

The results, published in Brain and Behavior, showed clear benefits for the group receiving TENS therapy. Compared to the control group, the TENS group demonstrated statistically significant reductions in their total THI scores and across all subscales of the inventory, indicating a meaningful decrease in the perceived handicap caused by tinnitus.

On the 0-10 Visual Analog Scales, participants reported lower scores for both bruxism-related jaw discomfort and the severity of their tinnitus. Anxiety scores on the GAD-7 dropped, and reports of oral parafunctional behaviors on the OBC also decreased significantly. Physically, jaw mobility improved. Importantly, these subjective and physical changes translated into better life quality, with the SF-36 showing specific improvements in pain and general health subscales. The control group showed no significant changes on any of these measures.

This research adds to a growing body of evidence supporting the connection between the somatosensory system—particularly from the head and neck—and tinnitus perception. For a deeper look at how sound processing differs in related conditions, you can read our article on Brain Responses to Sounds in Misophonia vs. Hyperacusis.

Practical Implications for Treating Somatosensory Tinnitus

The findings point to a practical, non-invasive treatment option for a specific subgroup of tinnitus patients. Clinically, the study underscores the importance of a thorough assessment for bruxism and other temporomandibular disorders in patients presenting with tinnitus, especially when hearing is normal. Identifying a somatic component can direct treatment toward the musculoskeletal source.

For patients, pencil-electrode TENS represents a potential drug-free therapy that targets the associated muscular tension and pain, which may in turn quiet the tinnitus signal. The improvements in anxiety and overall quality of life highlight how treating one aspect of a complex condition can have positive ripple effects. It is important to note that this therapy was administered under clinical supervision four times a week, suggesting that effective application may require a committed treatment schedule rather than occasional use.

This approach fits into a broader context of neuromodulation therapies for hearing disorders. Other research explores how different stimuli can affect auditory processing, such as work on 40 Hz Light Therapy for Hearing and Brain Health or the use of AI Music Therapy for Tinnitus and Hearing Health.

A Promising Avenue for Future Research

The authors conclude that masseter muscle TENS is an effective treatment for bruxism-associated tinnitus, likely working through somatosensory neuromodulation mechanisms. They call for further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods to confirm the durability of these effects.

Future research could also compare this pencil-electrode method to other forms of TENS or to standard dental interventions for bruxism, like occlusal guards. Investigating whether this therapy benefits tinnitus patients with hearing loss or without a clear bruxism diagnosis would help define its applicability. The study, free from reported conflicts of interest, provides a clear protocol that other clinics can investigate further.

For individuals whose tinnitus is linked to jaw clenching or muscle tension, this study offers a measure of hope and a specific therapy to discuss with an audiologist or otolaryngologist. As the lead author Zehra Aydoğan and colleagues state, targeting the somatic drivers of tinnitus can be a valid and effective treatment strategy.

Source: Aydoğan Z, Öztürk Özdeş N, Kutlu S, et al. Targeting Tinnitus via Masseter Muscle Stimulation: Innovative Pencil-Electrode TENS Therapy for Bruxism-Associated Tinnitus. Brain Behav. 2026;16(5):e71443. doi:10.1002/brb3.71443. PMID: 42050847.