Epithelial migration on the tympanic membrane and external auditory canal is a very important self-cleansing property of the outer ear. In order to evaluate the pattern and rate of epithelial migration, 83 ears of 42 normal persons were examed. India ink(0.5%) was used as a marker. The dye was applied to the umbo, handle of malleus, the lateral process of the malleus and four quadrants with a applicator. Changes in locations of the dye were observed at 1 week interval under an operating microscope. Photograph and linedrawing were taken. The migratory rate on the tympanic membrane was calculated by measuring the distance between the orginal marker and the various migrated point. The obtained results were as follows. 1) Overall patterns in epithelial migration were classified into two types : a curved pattern(type I, 82,8%) and a straight pattern (type II, 17.2%). A curved pattern was classified into two types. The first type was a clockwise rotation pattern in right ears and a counterclockwise rotation pattern in left ears(type Ia, 44.0%). The second type showed a counterclockwise rotation pattern in right ears and a clockwise rotation pattern in left ears(type Ib, 38.8%). 2) The migratory rate was increased on approaching the annulus. It was fastest in the anterior-inferior quadrant(135um/day) and latest in the posterior-superior quadrant (80um/day). 3) The patterns and rates of migration in similar regions of both tympanic membranes of an individual were found to be similar. 4) Some desquamation was found in four ears(4.8%) and total desquamation in two ears(2.4%).