The rate and pattern of epithelial migration in the atelectatic tympanic membrane(TM) still remains unanswered, so far. Hence, a pilot, prospective, non- randomised, case-control study was conducted to characterize and compare the rate and pattern of epithelial migration in the atelectatic TM versus the normal TM. A total of 40 patients (80 ears) were included based on their otoscopic appearance and tympanography findings. A dot of Methylene blue dye was applied in the immediate vicinity of the umbo of the atelectatic and normal TMs. They were then followed up until the dye dot had migrated...