Selected topics relating to the diagnosis and management of disorders that affect hearing are reviewed, including updates on the outcome of attempted hearing preservation in the resection of acoustic neuromas. Newly defined indications and contraindications for surgical correction of stapes fixation are discussed. Reports of unilateral chemical ablation of vestibular function as treatment for intractable vertigo resulting from Meniére's disease, and the effects of this procedure on hearing are presented. Promising new insights into the etiology and treatment of autoimmune hearing loss are described. Emerging developments in measuring otoacoustic emissions and their potential clinical applications are discussed.