The case of a 51-year-old woman with an acoustic neuroma in her only hearing ear is presented. At the time the tumor was removed, May 24, 1979, a depth electrode was implanted In the cochlear nucleus. This worked for 2 months, allowing her to perceive sound in her environment. On March 12, 1981, the depth electrode was replaced with a surface electrode. Since that time her hearing has been as good as that of a patient with a cochlear implant. It has now been over 2 years since her last surgery and she continues to do well.

Intrapetrosal internal carotid artery aneurysms are distinctly uncommon lesions which are difficult to diagnose and treat. With the evolution of the infratemporal fossa approach, direct surgical management of these aneurysms is possible. Application of this technique is detailed in a case report. A discussion of alternate therapeutic modalities and a review of aneurysmal pathophysiology and diagnosis are included.

Exostoses of the external auditory canal can occur in patients living in coastal, southern California communities with a history of cold-water aquatic activities such as ocean surfing and swimming. Although most canal exostoses are asymptomatic, patients with canal obstruction greater than 80% can have recurrent episodes of external otitis and a related conductive hearing loss. In most cases, medical treatment resolves the symptomatic external otitis and related hearing loss. Patients recalcitrant to medical treatment are candidates for surgical removal of the exostoses. This report reviews the authors' surgical experience with 18 patients (27 ears) who have undergone surgical removal of exostoses. Their preferred surgical technique of transmeatal removal of exostoses with a specialized mallet and thin chisel under local anesthesia is described.

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