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110
Audiology
An otologist appointed by the Inner London Education Authority
has continued to supervise the progress of children found by the
school medical officers and school nurses to have poor hearing.
Children who have a slight but variable hearing loss as well as those
with permanent deafness have their progress checked at the clinics.
During 1970 we also had the assistance of a peripatetic teacher
of the deaf working in this Borough who visits the more severe
cases. A total of 439 children were on the file in December, 1970.
During the year, increasing use has been made of the Braidwood
Audiology Unit at Tulse Hill (Lambeth) where children can be
given a comprehensive assessment. The specialist staff of the unit
contact schools to give advice on children with poor hearing.
Deaf register
A register of children with a hearing loss is now kept as a separate
section of the register of handicapped children. At the end of 1970
there were 283 children listed who were residing in the Borough.
Of these, 99 attended either a school for the deaf or a partiallyhearing
unit, and the remaining 184 were attending ordinary school.
A total of 148 children had hearing aids, eight of which were
supplied during 1970. Particular care is taken to watch the progress
of children with a hearing loss who attend ordinary schools.
Special investigation clinics
There are six special investigation clinics in the Borough which
are run jointly with the Inner London Education Authority. Children
are treated for enuresis, obesity and behaviour problems or
often a combination of these difficulties. Most children are referred
following medical inspection in school and during the year a few
cases were seen at the request of family doctors.
The clinic medical officers are assisted by a school nurse and a
social worker. The latter provides information on the social background,
visits patients and maintains contact with the schools and
the Education Welfare Service.
During the year there was a reduction in the number of enuretic
children. On the other hand, there has been an increase in the
number of adolescents needing advice. At the end of the year,
252 children were receiving treatment.
Ear, nose and throat clinics
Until May, 1970, the ear, nose and throat consultant at St.
George's Hospital examined school children at four of the school
treatment centres. This arrangement lapsed following Mr. Wilson's
resignation since, due to the low attendance, it was apparent that
patients preferred to have treatment in hospital.