Clinical Otolaryngology is a bimonthly journal devoted to clinically-oriented research papers of the highest scientific standards dealing with:current otorhinolaryngological practiceaudiology, otology, balance, rhinology, larynx, voice and paediatric ORL head and neck oncologyhead and neck plastic and reconstructive surgerycontinuing medical education and ORL trainingThe emphasis is on high quality new work in the clinical field and on fresh, original research.Each issue begins with an editorial expressing the personal opinions of an individual with a particular knowledge of a chosen subject. The main body of each issue is then devoted to original papers carrying important results for those working in the field. In addition, topical review articles are published discussing a particular subject in depth, including not only the opinions of the author but also any controversies surrounding the subject. Negative/null resultsIn order for research to advance, negative results, which often make a valuable contribution to the field, should be published. However, articles containing negative or null results are frequently not considered for publication or rejected by journals. We welcome papers of this kind, where appropriate and valid power calculations are included that give confidence that a negative result can be relied upon.