This is a report on an e-mail based survey of 1249 otologic surgeons on their practice regarding facial nerve monitoring during ear surgery. The response rate was very low (6.6%). The majority of responders (92%) stated that they did not use facial nerve monitoring during stapes surgery, ossiculoplasty or myringoplasty. In cochlear implant surgery 78% monitored the facial nerve. As regards non-cholesteatomatous CSOM, the majority (68%) did not use the monitor. On the other hand, in primary surgery for cholesteatoma, 52% of the responders used the monitor. This proportion rose to 62% in revision cases. For the vast majority (97%) the choice to monitor was based on CT data especially if the lesion was diffuse, near the course of the facial nerve or if a bony dehiscence was suspected. One of the limiting factors for the availability and / or use of facial nerve monitors seems to be economic restraints including the initial and running costs in addition to poor coding for the procedure.