The purpose of this review article is to describe the normal anatomy, the specific imaging techniques and the applications of MR imaging to temporal bone pathologies. Though the evaluation of the ear is mainly based upon CT, MR imaging is essential in the work-up of tumors and inflammatory diseases, such as epidermoids, cholesterol granulomas, paragangliomas and transtegmental masses. MR Imaging is mandatory in the evaluation of the internal acoustic canal and the cerebellopontine angle. Finally, MR imaging plays an important role in the detection of recurrent cholesteatoma after middle ear surgery, and in the work-up of the labyrinthic cavities before cochlear implantation.