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(c) Nose and Throat Defects.—The arrangements for the
operative treatment for nose and throat defects at the King Edward
Memorial Hospital were described in the report for 1934. During
the year under review 72 children were dealt with, 62 being operated
on for enlarged tonsils, one for adenoids, and nine for enlarged
tonsils and adenoids.
(d) Ear Defects.—There is little doubt that by the usual
practice at routine medical inspection a large number of ear defects
are not detected and that a more detailed examination of the
ears is desirable. By the use of the audiometer valuable data can
be obtained but its regular application to all school children is
laborious and expensive. Moreover, its use is limited to the detection
of ear diseases where defect of hearing is present, and cases of ear
disease not associated with deafness are liable to go undetected.
As an alternative the examination of ears by means of the electric
auriscope in all routine medical inspections was considered and
was ultimately adopted. Meatus and tympanic membrane are
directly examined as a regular practice and where a defect exists
or where signs of disease are present, the child is referred to the
ear clinic for treatment as well as for investigation of hearing.
All the medical officers carrying out the routine medical inspections
are now very proficient in the use of the auriscope.