Two families with phenotypically different hereditary low frequency hearing impairment: longitudinal data and linkage analysis.

Two families with low frequency hearing impairment have been described previously. Family A (Danish) presented a sensorineural hearing impairment most pronounced for frequencies below 2 kHz and a pedigree typical for an autosomal dominant trait with complete penetrance (Königsmark type). Family B, originating from the Faroe Islands, showed conflicting audiological test results, making a valid classification impossible.

The soil fungus Chaetomium in the human paranasal sinuses.

Chaetomium is a soil fungus of which more than 180 species are now known. Most species cause degradation of cellulose-rich substrates, such as components in soil, straw or wood. Growth of Chaetomium globosum is often stimulated in the presence of Aspergillus fumigatus, which excretes such compounds as sugar phosphates and phospho-glyceric acid.

Bilateral carcinoma of the external auditory meatus.

A 65-year-old woman had suffered for two months from bilateral tinnitus and discharge, pain in the right ear, and loss of hearing. Biopsy showed carcinoma of the squamous type on both sides. Tomography revealed bone destruction on the right.