From the roots of otology: Diseases of the ear and their treatment in Byzantine times (324-1453 AD)

Hypothesis: The aim of this study is to present the therapeutic methods and surgical techniques in diseases of the ear during Byzantine times (324-145 3 A.D.). Background/Methods: The original creek language texts of the Byzantine medi cal writers were studied to research early otologic knowledge of symptomato logy, conservative treatments, and surgical confrontation of diseases of th e ear. Results: A considerable number of conservative treatments for many otologic conditions were identified; these therapies were especially based on herbs , animal and mineral substances applied either as eardrops: clysters, poult ices, or by using special instruments and apparatus. Among these were ident ified otitis, rupture of the eardrum, hemorrhage from the ears, deficiency of hearing and deafness, vertigo, tinnitus, and earwax. Furthermore, in the se early texts, there were also described some surgical techniques in cases of atresia of the external auditory canal, of defects in or lack of the pi nna, and for removal of foreign bodies and fleshy tumors. Some of the earli est hearing aids were also mentioned. Conclusions: From the study of the original works of Byzantine writers, it is evident that numerous treatments and surgical techniques relating to oto logy were practiced; these were derived not only from compilation of knowle dge obtained from the ancient Greek medical sources, a considerable part of which are now lost, but also enriched by Byzantine physicians' personal ex perience. This knowledge influenced medieval European medicine and, through it, that of the rest of the world.