Malignant External Otitis; Changing Faces

The introduction of new antibiotic, oral quinolones, seems to have led to the belief that this form of treatment suffices to 'cure' Malignant External Otitis. Indeed, the high mortality rate has decreased significantly ever since. We argue, however, that the measure of 'cure' has not been clearly determined. In our view, it is paramount that we need to consider the patient who is faced with the possibility of lasting residual damage to the facial nerve and its function. Although facial nerve paralysis has traditionally been designated to be a poor prognostic factor, we would now be well advised to recongnize it as the most important indicator of residual morbidity.