[Welding spark injuries of the ear. Observations of personal case material]

25 cases of tympanic welding spark injuries of the years 1959-1989 are reported. Early results and late sequelae after conservative therapy, immediate and interval operation are described and discussed. Regarding the tendency of tympanic defects to enlarge after thermal injuries despite conservative and early operative therapy, secondary seal by tympanoplasty is recommended. Even then, however, the rate of residual and recurring perforations must be reckoned as being higher than after tympanoplasty in comparable defects of other origin, due to the inferior nutritive supply owing to the extended scar caused by burning. On the other hand, the rate of inner ear traumatisation with 12% directly after welding injury and with 4% remaining impairment of hearing, is low.