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otolaryngologist. If the tonsils or adenoids require removal,
the parents are advised and the children may be sent to the King
Edward VII Memorial Hospital for this treatment. After the
operation the children are inspected at the school medical inspection
and the effects of the operation are noted. As a result of this
"following up" and of greater care in the selection of cases it has
been found possible to reduce the number of children recommended
for tonsil and adenoid operation. It is now believed that the tonsils
and adenoids play an important part in the prevention of infection
and their wholesale removal is to be deprecated.
(d)Ear Defects.—The auriscope is employed to examine
the ears of all children and all structural defects of the outer and
middle ears can be discovered by means of it. Functional defects
evidenced by deafness are noted at the school medical inspection
by the medical officer or are brought to his notice by parents or the
teachers. Hearing defects are in the majority of cases accompanied
by recognisable physical signs detected by the auriscope.
By these means it is considered that every case of deafness is
discovered.
Treatment of Ear Conditions.
Children requiring simple treatment, for example, syringing th
ears for wax and meatal boils are referred to the Health Centrel
Most cases of otitis media are treated there also under medica
supervision. Cases requiring specialized advice including those not
responding satisfactorily to simple treatment, are referred to the
special ear clinic which is attended by the consulting otolaryngologist.
The special clinic is held once a month at Mattock
Lane and at Ravenor Park Centres.
Cases sent to the special clinic were grouped by the Consultant
according to the following classification:
A. Chronic otitis media—Suppurative.
B. „ „ „ „ with granulations.
C. „ „ „ „ „ polypus.
D. Dry perforation.
E. Chronic catarrhal otitis media.
F. Eustachian catarrh.
G. Past otitis media—suppurative.
H. Other conditions.