The changing nature of otological practice in a teaching centre

The impression that otologic surgical practice is a declining segment of the specialty of otolaryngology is widespread. In an attempt to assess objectively the validity of that assumption, the authors reviewed their own experience over the 12 years 1971-82 inclusive. Five representative years out of the 12 were examined--1971, 1974, 1977, 1979, and 1982. In each of these years, the relative and absolute frequency with which six common otological procedures were performed was determined. The procedures selected for study included myringoplasty, tympanoplasty Type I, II, III and IV, and stapedectomy. In addition the relative frequency of primary vs. revision operations was assessed. The data indicate a change in the pattern of otologic surgical practice over the period, most noticeably in the ratio of primary to revision procedures. These changes have significant implications for the teaching and practice of otology in the future.