[Functional results in unilateral auditory canal atresia]

42 patients with unilateral congenital atresia of the ear were examined postoperatively. The results were as follows: 1. Tympanoplasty type III, stapes elevation by autologous ossicula, gave the best results on the average. 2. The discrimination tests gave poorer results than had been expected from the pure-tone threshold audiograms. 3. As a result of the operation, only one-third of the patients obtained a sense of hearing which made them fit for social contacts; hence, the indication for surgery should be examined critically before any action is taken.