The otic capsule is unique in retaining calcified cartilage, known as globuli interossei, throughout life and shows changes consequently, which are peculiar to it. In Paget's disease of bone, the otic capsule appears resistant to involvement and this occurs with extensive disease at a late stage. In contrast, otosclerosis is a new bone formation of unknown cause that is limited to the otic capsule. In osteogenesis imperfecta, the poor formation of collagen leads to abnormally thin bony trabeculae with a poorly formed otic capsule. In osteopetrosis, the otic capsule is greatly expanded by increased globuli interossei, as a result of defective osteoclast function. When fractured the middle layer of the otic capsule does not form callus, but heals by fibrosis.

Subtotal pars flaccida perforation was effected in vitro in rat tympanic membranes. The drums were subsequently kept in tissue culture and after various intervals studied by means of light and scanning electron microscopy. No complete covering of the perforation was seen, though a marked thickening and hyperplasia of the outer, keratinizing, squamous epithelium (OE) was evident. The inner, tympanal epithelium (IE) appeared swollen, containing rounded structures in the cytoplasm especially close to the contact area with the OE. Ingrowth of OE onto the tympanal side of the drum was seen particularly in the areas where the IE was sparse and completely lacking. Complete covering of a drum perforation seems to be dependent on the formation of supporting granulation tissue, probably resulting from an inflammatory reaction in the healing area.

Ten families in which there were 79 individuals affected by Waardenburg's syndrome were examined for penetrance of sensorineural hearing loss and expressivity of the gene. There were 47 with Waardenburg syndrome Type 1 and 32 with Waardenburg syndrome Type II. Penetrance of senorineural hearing loss was calculated after exclusion of the probands and was found not to be significantly different between each syndrome type but to show marked interfamilial variation. A bilateral sensorineural hearing loss was present more frequently than unilateral with the proportion varying between families. Certain audiometric shapes were found to recur in the syndrome but, apart from possibly one asymmetric configuration, seem to have been described also in other conditions. The degree of hearing loss was very variable within and between families. The implications for genetic counselling are discussed and the advantages of basing risk factors upon individual families rather than syndrome types emphasized.

Ramsay Hunt syndrome is known to cause audiological signs and symptoms, including sudden, unexpected hearing loss. We carried out a retrospective review of the audiological manifestations of 186 patients with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, measuring their hearing loss patterns, hyperacusis, tinnitus, herpetic rash, facial paralysis, pain and vertigo. Statistical correlations of these parameters were equated with prognosis. Prognosis for eventual hearing recovery is, in general, excellent. Prognostic indicators of poor hearing recovery include advanced age, retrocochlear hearing loss, male gender, vertigo, and speech frequency hearing loss.

The traditional ways of treating earache among the Lappish people have been charted. Generally speaking, the Lapps have treated earache by applying a compress to the ear, dropping various ear-drops into the external auditory canal, breathing into the ear, massaging the ear, and inserting impregnated wool into the ear canal. The Lappish treatment principles for earache are discussed in relation to modern knowledge of pain relief.

A retrospective view of 37 Per-Lee tubes inserted into 29 patients over a period of four years. At the time of review all the tubes were in situ but eleven had to be removed due to recurrent otorrhoea or perforations causing increasing deafness particularly in children. Per-Lee tubes are not suitable for long-term ventilation of the middle ear cavity in children.

Tympanic neurectomy was first described 44 years ago. Although its indications have subsequently increased, it has not become a popular procedure. This paper concentrates on its use in treating otalgia. The history of tympanic neurectomy, the anatomy of the tympanic plexus and the aetiology of otalgia with specific reference to the tympanic plexus are discussed and a case of bilateral otalgia due to glossopharyngeal neuralgia successfully treated by staged, bilateral tympanic neurectomy reported. It is suggested tympanotomy performed under local anaesthesia with selective stimulation of the intra-tympanic nerves may lead to accurate diagnosis and treatment of the various forms of neuralgic otalgia.

The UCLA experience with subdural empyema (SDE) of otorhinological origin was reviewed. All cases of SDE with additional intracranial complications were excluded. Thirteen cases of SDE were identified with the prediposing factors being sinusitis (ten), mastoiditis (two), and otitis media (one). Based on data obtained from this review and from studies previously published in the literature, the keys to optimal outcome are rapid diagnosis, craniotomy with complete evacuation of the purulent collection followed by immediate surgical management of the otorhinological source of the SDE, and appropriate antibiotic therapy. Computed tomography is nearly always diagnostic but can be equivocal and magnetic resonance imaging may become the diagnostic study of choice. Of the five patients initially treated with craniotomy, 100 per cent improved as compared to 50 per cent of the eight patients initially treated with burr holes. None of the patients initially managed with craniotomy were worse or died, whereas of the four patients initially managed with burr holes, two were worse (25 per cent) and two died (25 per cent). Antibiotic therapy is guided by the organisms found in the empyema and the site of origin of the infection. The otolaryngologist must remain aware of the clinical features and management of SDE and work closely with his neurosurgical colleagues to provide early, decisive surgical treatment.

Forty patients presenting with watery rhinorrhoea as their main complaint were entered in an open trial of long-term intranasal ipratroprium bromide. Fourteen of these (35 per cent) found it to be beneficial and completed one year of treatment. Side-effects were seen in 28 patients (70 per cent) but these were local and mild in nature. All resolved during the trial as patients adjusted the dosage to individual severity and frequency of symptoms. No significant systemic effects were noted during the course of therapy. Ipratroprium is a useful drug in the treatment of watery rhinorroea and appears safe for long-term use.

Nasal airway resistance due to uncomplicated DNS was examined in 43 patients, and the results compared with those obtained following corrective surgery. The patients were examined independently by the two authors using a strict examination protocol. Rhinomanometry was carried out pre- and post-operatively at rest and after exercise assessing the worst and the better breathing nostrils separately. The results show that both resting and post-exercise nasal resistance was reduced following septal surgery.

Three patients who developed a post-cricoid carcinoma 5–21 years after radiotherapy for carcinoma of the larynx are presented. These patients received radiotherapy when they were young. It is suggested that alternative forms of treatment, especially partial laryngectomy with the aid of a laser should be considered in the primary management of small tumours of the larynx of young patients.

This paper presents our experience with four cases of impacted laryngeal foreign bodies. A review of the literature reveals that the condition is rare, but far more dramatic and life threatening than bronchial foreign bodies. The history may not indicate the diagnosis, especially in the ethnic minority races where there is a language barrier. Suspicion of the diagnosis by the causalty officer and the immediate attendance of an experienced otolaryngologist may be life saving.

Radiological examination is not necessary where the diagnosis is obvious. If the diagnosis is in doubt it must be remembered that many foreign bodies are not radio-opaque. The patient must be accompanied at all times by an otolaryngologist until the foreign body is removed.

The value of tubal inflation as a diagnostic procedure for Eustachian tube patency and function is controversial. In an attempt to assess the diagnostic value of air douche in atelectatic ears, 49 such ears of 40 patients were politzerized. The procedure was successful in 45 ears. However, of the four unsuccessful cases, two of the patients were able to autoinflate their ears. These results show that air douches pass regularly through the Eustachian tube into the tympanic cavity even in atelectatic ears, which by definition suffer from aeration deficiency, which is often considered to be secondary to ‘Eustachian tube obstruction’, or alternatively ‘Eustachian tube dysfunction’. Thus, the ability to force air through the Eustachian tube by politzerization is of no diagnostic value as an indicator of normal or abnormal tubal patency or functioning in atelectatic ears and most probably in allied conditions.

A case is described of osteochondroma of the tongue and the literature on osteomata, chondromata and osteochondromata of the tongue is reviewed. The tendency for these tumours to arise in the region of the foramen caecum has been noted in previous reports as has the female preponderance. It has been suggested that they arise from remnants of branchial arch cartilage. The variation in the duration and age at presentation of the lesion has not been explained and an alternative theory is suggested.

Teratomas including dermoid cysts occur in approximately 1:4000 births with the incidence in the head and neck varying according to different authors between 1.6 and 6.9 per cent.

The case presented is of a 28-year-old Caucasian male in whom a dermoid cyst occurred in the floor of the mouth where ultrasound was found useful in the pre-operative assessment.

The role of ultrasound in the pre-operative management of lesions in the head and neck is discussed.

The treatment of branchial cysts is by surgical excision. We describe a case where the cyst was medial to the pharyngeal constrictors, making a per-oral approach the safest, and easiest method of removal. The position of the cyst supports the theory that branchial cysts are congenital in origin.

We report a lateral saccular cyst of the larynx with both an internal and external component. The patient had a four year history of a cervical swelling and hoarseness. He presented acutely with stridor. The cyst was resected successfully without tracheostomy.

Laryngeal amyloidosis is a rare disease. Surgery has been the mainstay of treatment either endoscopically or by an external neck approach. In more recent years, surgery with the carbon dioxide laser has been advocated for this condition. Four cases of laryngeal amyloidosis are presented. The application and the advantages of the carbon dioxide laser for the treatment of laryngeal amyloidosis are discussed.

A case of basal cell adenocarcinoma of the parotid gland is reported. Histologically it is to be distinguished from basal cell adenoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma. Clinically the presentation may appear benign. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice. The prognosis is uncertain because of lack of follow-up data.

A case of liver metastases from a squamous carcinoma arising within a pleomorphic adenoma is presented. The literature is reviewed and the clinical features, pathology and treatment of these tumours are discussed briefly.