The technique of fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing disorders (FEES), and a comparison of its utility with that of videofluoroscopic examination in patients with dysphagia, was presented in a workshop session. Viewpoints were expressed by two speech pathologists and an otolaryngologist experienced in assessment and treatment of patients with dysphagia, and representative cases, illustrated with videotaped FEES and videofluoroscopic studies, were discussed. Some of the major advantages and disadvantages of each of these modalities are discussed in the following three articles.

Functional images of auditory cortex activation were obtained in healthy children following binaural text presentation. Consistent activation was observed in primary and secondary auditory cortices with no hemispheric dominance. FMRI characteristics of the auditory cortex activation in healthy children should be established in order to study those with hearing impairment.

Functional images of auditory cortex activation evoked by pure-tone stimuli are obtained in healthy children with the functional MRI technique.

Three patients, all children, are presented with a diagnosis of eosinophilic granuloma isolated to the temporal bone. In two cases the disease was unilateral, and in the third, bilateral disease was encountered. General evaluations, audiometric studies, and laboratory findings will be discussed. X‐rays will be shown as well as photomicrographs of the gross and microscopic lesions to supplement this discussion. Our approach was surgical in all four ears involved. Radiation therapy was not utilized. A thorough review of the literature on this subject will accompany the presentations of these cases. Long term results have been satisfactory and will be correlated with those in the literature treated by other methods.

This presentation is part of a parallel seminar entitled "Esophago/Pharyngo/Laryngeal Interrelationships." It reports on some of the work done to elucidate the intricate mechanisms involved in transporting food/liquid through the pharynx while simultaneously protecting the airway from aspiration. Significant species differences occur during swallowing, which influence the interpretation of experimental results. Briefly discussed in this panel presentation are the distinction between the glottic closure reflex and laryngospasm; some variations that occur in normal and disordered adult swallowing; the sequence of events during swallowing; differences in the reciprocal relationship between breathing and swallowing in adults as contrasted with infants; and laryngeal reflexes engendered by esophageal stimulation.