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In considering the relationship and relative importance of abnormal conditions of the ear occurring in persons suffering from mental disorders or mental defect, we are approaching a field of investigation to which meager consideration has been given in the past. At the present time, when various somatic conditions have been found to be the basis of abnormal mental functioning, in view of the auditory symptoms so often manifested in these patients, we can only conjecture as to what rôle these conditions may play as definite etiologic factors. However, we can observe the varied diseases of the ear which occur as complications or sequelae of abnormal mental conditions. With a view to presenting certain facts and in the hope of stimulating further research along this line, the following observations made on 1,000 patients examined in the wards of the Danville State Hospital over a period of two years are presented.
DISEASES