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The present study was undertaken to assess the incidence of middle ear disorder in children having cleft palate and the effect of repair on the middle ear functions using tympanometry. l Impedance audiometry was performed after cleaning the external auditory canal. The probe of the impedance audiometer was inserted and made air tight into external auditory meatus. The external auditory canal pressure was increased to +200 mm of water to stiffen the tympanic membrane and the compliance value was recorded.

Among the total of 29 (male 20, female 9) subjects studied, unilateral cleft lip and cleft palate was the most common type present in males, observed in 16 cases (44 %) while only 4 cases (8 %) were found among the females. Ear symptoms were present in 8 cases (20 %). Otoscopy revealed retraction of tympanic membrane and scarring in 39 ears (78 %). Pre-operative ear compliance studies revealed the values of 0.15±0.26 (range 0.01-1.15 cc) and post-operative values of 0.18±0.28 (range 0.01-1.21 cc) (p>O.05). Better compliance was observed in comparatively older group of children.