Secondary otalgia in an adult population.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the associations of secondary otalgia with general health, stress, insomnia, bruxism, and recurrent head and neck region pains.

DESIGN

A population-based survey.

SETTING

General community.

SUBJECTS

A total of 391 randomly selected subjects (186 men, 205 women) aged 25, 35, 45, 55, or 65 years.

METHODS

Standardized interview and self-report questionnaires of general health and stress.

RESULTS

Otalgia was statistically significantly associated with all the studied factors. However, in the whole study group, independent predictors of otalgia were the obvious need for temporomandibular disorder treatment, high frequency of stress symptoms, and bruxism. When analyzed in women, the predictors of otalgia were the obvious need for temporomandibular disorder treatment, high frequency of stress symptoms, and age. When analyzed in men, recurrent neck pain was a predictor of otalgia.

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that after ruling out otorhinolaryngologic infectious diseases and temporomandibular disorder in patients with secondary otalgia, the next step is to explore the frequency of stress symptoms, bruxism, and recurrent neck pain. Furthermore, women and men may need a different approach in diagnostics of secondary otalgia. By diagnosing and treating these predictors of otalgia, it may be possible to reach a more successful outcome.