View report page

Audiometry
The detection of gross deafness is a relatively simple matter,
but the reverse applies if the hearing loss is slight. The audiometer
is an apparatus used for routine tests in order to ascertain
whether deafness has escaped notice despite examination by other
methods. Although loss of hearing may be minimal its detection
is of particular importance in a child with learning difficulties.
Routine audiometer tests are performed by two school nurses
working full-time, assisted by a third nurse employed part-time.
Of the five machines, three can be transported from school to
school. The "sweep technique" is the term applied to the
screening test, but in appropriate cases the "pure tone" test may
be required for determining the exact degree of hearing loss. All
school entrants are examined. Audiometry also forms part of the
examination of any child who appears to be educationally subnormal.
During 1966 there was an increase in the number of pupils given
screening tests (7,923 compared with 5,737 in 1965) this being
mainly due to additional nursing staff being employed for this
purpose.
In common with other Authorities, Wandsworth has a need
for additional audiology services, such as could be supplied by a
centrally-based unit, supplemented by the various clinic and other
services which at present are concerned with the detection and
management of deafness.
The number of children given audiometer tests during 1966
was as follows :—
Pupils given screening tests 7,923
Pupils failing screening tests given pure-tone tests 1,138
Pupils referred to otologist 338