This study consisted of the evaluation of the plain X-ray findings of films taken at early follow-up (mean 1.5 months after surgery) and at late follow-up(4–14 years after the early films) of 211 ears which had been operated on radically and obliterated. Residual cells which were detected on the basis of the early films were associated with a more frequent occurrence of post-operative infection and were thus hallmarks of a poorer prognosis. Changes in the bone surrounding the surgical cavity and the radiological quality of the walls of the surgical cavity, the presence of new bone formation in the cavity and other radiological features did not yield useful information about post-operative complications. New bone formation was associated with a smaller amount of post-operative cavitation. Post-operative X-ray examination of the obliterated ear is a prognostically useful examination, but it does not significantly contribute further to the information available by clinical and otomicroscopic examination in regards to the complications of infection and cholesteatoma.

Initial optimism about the successful outcome of treatment of congenital syphilitic deafness with ampicillin and steroids has always been tempered with an awareness of the uncertain long-term results. This paper is a review of 16 patients treated with various combinations of ampicillin and steroid; these have been followed up for periods of five to 14 years. Ampicillin alone does not prevent progressive hearing loss in the majority of patients. Ampicillin combined with prednisone, or with prednisone and ACTH, has preserved the hearing in all but two ears which had useful hearing before treatment The fact that the hearing in many of these ears, although maintained continues to fluctuate still gives cause for concern.

A survey was conducted of deaf children in the Glasgow area diagnosed between 1965 and 1979 to assess the relative incidences of the known aetiological factors. This took the form of a review of case records supplemented by the use of questionnaires. The results showed small variations from earlier published figures but were broadly similar. The effectiveness of rubella and anti-Rhesus immunization were also evaluated. It was found that more than half of all cases of profound deafness in childhood are acquired rather than inherited and are therefore potentially preventable

In a controlled investigation of 22 patients with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia, an evaluation has been carried out of the connective tissue content of muco-substances prior to and after treatment with oral oestrogen (oestradiol valerate 4 mg. daily). The clinical condition of the patients, all of whom had haemorrhagic anaemia, was evaluated by the frequency of epistaxis and by blood analyses. No effect of treatment could be demonstrated by means of histochemical, clinical or laboratory methods.