Objective To study the direct oblique images of normal temporal bones such as facial nerve canal, ossical chain, otic capsule and other structures. Methods 63 normal temporal bones were examined on direct oblique CT. The images were compared with cadaveric bone. Results The direct oblique images clearly showed the external auditory meatus, epitympanum, mastoid antrum, ossical chain, mastoid facial canal, otic capsule, internal auditory canal in 63(100%) temporal bones, the tympanic facial canal in 42(66 7%), the anteriorgenu in 55(87 3%), and the vestibular aqueduct in 58(92 1%). Conclusion Besides axial and coronal CT, direct oblique CT scan is also an important imaging method, which may provide valuable evidence for diagnosis and operation about ear diseases.