The national survey examined a probability sample of 7,417 children 6 to 11 years of age to provide estimates showing regional, racial, and socioeconomic differentials in the prevalence of ear, nose, and throat pathology and hearing problems. Data were obtained by means of a medical examination by a staff pediatrician and a medical history obtained from the child's parents. Principle findings included the following: abnormalities of the eardrum were found about as often among white children as Negro children but more frequently among children from the South and from rural areas; conditions indicative of past or present infection were found more frequently among white than Negro children, among children from the South, and among children from rural areas; complete occlusion of the drum by cerumen was found more frequently among Negro children and children from the South; tonsils were found to be removed more frequently among white children, children not from the South, and children in families with incomes greater than $5,000; a history of ear infection and ear injury was reported more frequently among white than Negro children; trouble hearing was reported more frequently among children in the South; children in rural areas more frequently had a history of ear and hearing problems than children living in urban areas; and the prevalence of trouble hearing was greatest among children from families where income and parent education level was lowest. (DB)