Objective To study the occurrence mechanism and the clinical practice feasibility of cases of cavum tympani natural shaping after partial radical mastoidectomy. Methods A total of 18 radical mastoidectomy cases between June, 1996 and June, 2006 were analyzed, and the relationship between pathological characteristics, operation-performing features as well as dressing change after the operation and the phenomenon of tympanic membrane regeneration and healing were studied. Results In 21 out of 46 cases, tympanic membrane was regenerated and healed after the operation, among which hearing recovered completely in 2 cases, noticeably improved in 6 cases, partly improved in 11 cases and not improved at all in 2 cases. Conclusion Attention paid to the protection of remnant tympanic membrane and middle ear biography tone structure in radical mastoidectomy, together with rational use of medication after the operation, can generally contribute to the natural regeneration and healing of the cavum tympani and obvious improvement of hearing.