[Middle ear problems associated with cleft palate (author's transl)].

The relation between cleft palate and middle ear disturbances is well known. Often the ENT specialist will see the patient only after the middle ear has been damaged so that it cannot be corrected any more satisfactorily. Therefore early otological diagnosis (including audiometry, impedance measurement, ERA, microscopic examination of the ear drum and essential myringotomy) and early treatment should be performed in the general plan of treatment in cleft patients.