We have used human teeth for ossicular reconstruction in 20 tympanoplasties, the longest follow-up being over 2 years. The take of the graft and the hearing improvement have been very satisfactory and long-lasting. This preliminary report discusses the merits of the tooth as a prosthetic material for ossicular reconstruction. Our experience to-date indicates that the material satisfies all the criteria of an ideal prosthesis.

A study of 43 cases of inverted papilloma of the nose has been made. These cases, arising from a moderately well-defined geographical area, were seen between 1955 and 1980. A detailed clinical and histological review was made in each case. No correlation has been found between any of the variable histological features and the potential of a particular popilloma to recur. The overall incidence of transformation to carcinoma is low, even after multiple recurrences. The findings suggests that there may be an extrinsic factor contributing to the causation of these tumours.

Following radiotherapy for squamous carcinoma of the larynx, it may be impossible to differentiate occult persisting tumour from irradiation effects, possibly with chondroradionecrosis, even after repeated biopsy. In seven of the cases presented, post-treatment laryngectomy failed to provide histological evidence of residual or recurrent carcinoma, which clinical examination has indicated. None-theless, total laryngectomy was performed, subsequently revealing tumour in five of the seven excised larynges. The two tumour-free larynges were associated with cervical metastases. The clinical indications of persisting tumour, the factors compromising post-irradiation evaluation and the role of diagnostic aids are discussed.

A case of bilateral profound sensori-neural hearing loss following systemic administration of chloramphenicol is reported because of its rarity. The hearing loss was gradually progressive, involving one ear; and with a repeat course of the drug, the other ear too was involved. An idiosyncratic or allergic response to previous exposure to the drug may be the cause of the toxicity. One should be careful in prescribing the drug repeatedly; when this is done, the patient must be carefully observed for possible toxic effects.

A rare and interesting case of tumoral calcinosis of the nose causing external nasal deformity and managed by surgical excision and corrective rhinoplasty is presented.

A rare case of a cholesteattoma of the maxillary sinus is presented, together with a brief discussion of its aetiology.

Idiosyncrasy to salicylic acid and related substances is well known, the most common symptoms being asthma, rhinorrhea and urticaria. We here describe two cases whose only symptoms were hoarseness and in which inspection revealed laryngeal edema when the patients ingested any of these substances. In cases of chronic recurring hoarseness, a history should be taken with respect to such hypersensitivity and suspect cases should be challenged, since a strict diet may improve the symptoms.