Is Biofeedback through an Intra-Aural Device an Effective Method to Treat Bruxism? Case Series and Initial Experience

Kira Pfeiffer, Thaqif El Khassawna, Deeksha Malhan, Christine Langer, Barbara Sommer, Mohamed Mekhemar, Hans-Peter Howaldt and Sameh Attia
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Kira Pfeiffer: Department of Cranio Maxillofacial Surgery, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Klinik Str. 33, 35392 Giessen, Germany
Thaqif El Khassawna: Experimental Trauma Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Justus-Liebig University of Giessen, Aulweg 128, 35392 Giessen, Germany
Deeksha Malhan: Institute for Theoretical Biology, Charite Unversitätmedizin Berlin, Invaliedenstr. 110, 10115 Berlin, Germany
Christine Langer: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Klinik Str. 33, 35392 Giessen, Germany
Barbara Sommer: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Klinik Str. 33, 35392 Giessen, Germany
Mohamed Mekhemar: Clinic for Conservative Dentistry and Periodontology, School of Dental Medicine, Christian Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Haus 26, 24105 Kiel, Germany
Hans-Peter Howaldt: Department of Cranio Maxillofacial Surgery, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Klinik Str. 33, 35392 Giessen, Germany
Sameh Attia: Department of Cranio Maxillofacial Surgery, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Klinik Str. 33, 35392 Giessen, Germany

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 18, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Biofeedback was reported as an effective concept for bruxism treatment, through increasing patient’s awareness of the habit. During bruxing both ear canals become tighter, therefore, an in-ear device can provide biofeedback. The in-ear device is fitted to the ear canal in physiological status, during bruxing the ear-canal tightens resulting in stress on the canal walls and unpleasant feeling. Subsequently, patients stop their bruxing habit. The aim of this study is to provide first clinical evidence that in-ear devices have a positive impact on relieving bruxism in patients. Despite the low number of patients, this early study was designed as a controlled prospective study. The trial included seven female patients with a median age of 47.3 years (23–64 years). Only two patients implemented their devices for eight and seven months, respectively. One patient reported a relief in her symptoms, like headaches and pain intensity during the night, by 50% after three month and 80% after six months. Despite the limited number of participants, the study reflects a potential of Intra-aural devices as effective biofeedback devices in treating bruxism.

Keywords: biofeedback; TMD; bruxism; Intra-aural devices (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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