Middle ear cilia activity as a determinant of tympanostomy tube placement.

Three hundred and twenty-six patients with diagnoses of serous otitis media--or mucoid otitis media--were reviewed for the presence or absence of middle ear cilia activity. This study strongly suggests that if active cilia can be observed, ventilating tubes are not needed. This easily observed activity in the anterior-inferior quadrant offers the otolaryngologist an accurate tool for determination of the future health of the middle ear.