Obliteration of the middle ear cleft.

All patients who have undergone obliteration of the middle ear cleft at Plymouth are reviewed. All had chronically discharging mastoid cavities and middle ears resistant to medical treatment, and all had at least one major operation to eradicate disease. All had an average hearing loss on the affected side of more than 80 decibels prior to operation. All ears have remained dry since obliteration, with a blind pit in the meatus. There have been no complications apart from a collection of fluid under one muscle flap.