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Already excellent teamwork exists in the close collaboration seen
between consultant otologist, head master of the special school and classes for
the deaf, parents, school medical officers, general medical practitioners and
health visiting staff.
A total number of 56 new cases were seen and appropriate action taken
in respect of their educational needs. The number of pre-school children
referred for advice was comparatively large, namely, 17 out of 56. Four of
these were found to be severely deaf; ten probably not deaf but in need of
further observation to eliminate some possible hearing loss, and in three a
final diagnosis of no loss of hearing showed that deafness was not the cause of
retardation.
Dr. Fisch further reports that the functioning of the audiology unit
during 1959 provided valuable experience for planning the work for the future.
The improved facilities should ensure that no child whose hearing is impaired
suffers either because of late detection of the disability or lack of adequate
training after a diagnosis has been made. Parents should get all essential
help, guidance and encouragement when it happens that their child suffers from
a hearing disability.
AUDIOLOGY UNIT, 1959
Number of children seen 56
Pre-school children 17
Attending infant & junior schools 20
Attending senior schools 17
Over 5, but not at school 2
Reason for referrals among these 56 children
were as follows: -
For diagnosis 32
Immigrants to Area known to
be deaf 4
Partially deaf children, advice as
to placement 4
Children known to be deaf - 9
application for admission to
nursery class, Blanche Nevile
School or partially deaf unit
Transfer from hospital out-patient 5
departments
Advice as to placement where 2
deafness might be the cause of
backwardness
Source of Referrals:-
Tottenham and Hornsey 38
Other boroughs in Middlesex 17
London - neighbouring boroughs 1
82