Composite ear grafts may provide good functional and aesthetic results when combined with overlying skin flaps in reconstruction of partial nasal defects. Even though composite ear grafts used for restoration of the inner nasal lining may be deformed or absorbed and impairment of nasal airway patency or aesthetic result may be postoperatively observed, the combination of composite ear grafts with locoregional transposition flaps provides additional reconstructive options for selected nasal defects.

Rupture of the round window may occur after diving even if the dive is performed from a low height into the water and the bottom of the pool is not contacted. Besides direct contusion to the external ear and barotrauma, other causes such as whiplash mechanism have to be considered.

A simple method of emergency underwater application of a nasal decongestant in divers to prevent diving-related accidents or even fatalities attributable to sequelae of middle-ear and sinus barotrauma of ascent was evaluated. Eleven military divers had to inject 1 mL of 0.02% methylene blue into a central venous catheter after having inserted the tip between their upper lip and the mask at 1 m depth in a pool. After injection, the head had to be reclined. Blue liquid flowing from a diver's nostril and a "bitter" taste sensation reported immediately after surfacing indicated successful application. All divers were observed to have had blue liquid flowing from the nostril of application, and one diver could not describe the taste. This method of underwater application of nasal decongestants may be useful for emergency prevention in divers, especially during covert operations. Underwater availability of the system in a special kit carried by divers would be required.

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