Diagnosis of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) based on the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC-TMD).
Pain intensity of at least 4/10 on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) over the past two weeks.
Chronic pain duration of at least three months, consistent with diagnosis of chronic TMD.
Willingness to self-administer transcutaneous auricular nerve stimulation (tAN) at home and comply with study procedures.
Fluency in English to ensure comprehension of study materials and assessments.
Access to a smartphone or computer with internet to complete electronic study surveys and check-ins with the research team.
You may not be if
Neurological conditions that may interfere with study outcomes, including epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or traumatic brain injury.
Use of implanted neuromodulation devices, such as vagus nerve stimulators, deep brain stimulators, or cochlear implants.
Unstable or severe psychiatric disorders, including active psychosis or severe depression with suicidal ideation.
Pregnancy or intention to become pregnant during the study period.
Skin conditions or other contraindications that prevent safe electrode placement on the auricular region (e.g., metal in the cymba concha that is unable or not willing to remove).
History of trauma (e.g., skull fracture) or periauricular surgery (e.g., temporomandibular joint replacement, acoustic neuroma removal) which would affect the location and function of the target peripheral innervation.
Use of both surgical and non-surgical bone conduction hearing devices.
