The microbiology of 12,174 symptomatic ears presenting over an eight-year period to one hospital was examined in detail. 1,061 cases of fungal infection were found. The incidence and pattern of these fungi and the accompanying bacteria, in cases of mixed infection, do not appear to have been affected by the widespread use of powerful topically-applied antibiotic/steroid preparations over more than two decades. Otomycosis remains an uncommon, often overlooked but important cause of morbidity in a temperate climate.