Malignant otitis externa is a serious condition that presents difficul
ties in treatment, and also in monitoring its progress. A case of mali
gnant otitis externa with optic neuritis is presented that remained re
fractory to standard treatment but was cured by adjuvant hyperbaric ox
ygen therapy. This is the only reported case that has survived this di
sease with optic neuritis. The usefulness of imaging techniques in thi
s condition is discussed, as well as the ESR? in evaluating the effect
iveness of treatment.