PURPOSE: To verify the prevalence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction in groups of professional musicians, interpreters of brass and string instruments. METHODS: Ninety two musicians, with ages varying from 18 to 58 years, participated on the study. Seventy musicians who played brass instruments (76.08%) and 22 musicians who played string instruments (23.91%) at the Symphonic Orchestra of Paraná, the Military Police Band or the Army Band were interviewed. The interview included questions regarding identification, time of practice, and presence of signs, symptoms and habits related to temporomandibular dysfunction. The answers were compared using the difference of proportions test. RESULTS: Thirty nine musicians (42.3%) noticed teeth grinding and/or teeth pressing, 23 (25%) reported to feel pain at the temporomandibular joint, 39 (42%) reported to hear noises at the temporomandibular joint, 37 (40%) reported sensation of auricular plenitude, and 33 (35%) presented tinnitus. No significant difference was found between brass and string players regarding the presence of signs and symptoms of temporomandibular dysfunction. CONCLUSION: The sum of factors presented puts players of certain musical instruments as a group susceptible to present signs and symptoms of temporomandibular disorder, including auditory symptoms. Therefore, the practice of these instruments may be considered a trigger, as well as an aggravating or perpetuating factor of a previously existing problem.
Temporomandibular joint; Masticatory muscles; Music; Occupational diseases
