Otology Through the Ages

Abstract

Recounted are some, not all, of the most significant contributions to otology. The history of otology has, for the most part, followed the history of medicine: Little was known of otology by the ancient physicians, but their work must be reviewed to appreciate the progress that has been made. Most of the otology produced during the Middle Ages was limited to those structures that were readily accessible; otologic surgery was confined to trauma and removal of foreign bodies from the external auditory canals. Examination of the ear began after studies of the ear by Italian anatomists during the seventeenth century. It was not until the end of the eighteenth century that magnification was used so that the minute anatomic details could be observed. The clinical specialty of otology started in France (1850s), emerged as a scientific specialty in England, and received explosive progress from the German-speaking countries at the end of the nineteenth century. Otology has a remarkable background.