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school. The picture frames are so attractive that the tests are
easily carried out as a game. A weekly testing session was held
in the schools, and of 1,848 examined, 78 (or 4.2 per cent.) children
showing a hearing loss of 9 units or over were referred to the
fortnightly clinic held by Dr. Francis Clarke.
Eighty-five new cases attended these clinics, making a total of
313 attendances. Eighteen sessions were held, 17.4 cases per
session being seen.
Ear Clinic.—Dr. Francis Clarke reports as follows:—"The
aural clinic has been conducted along similar lines as regards
organisation and treatment to those followed by Dr. A. R. Friel
for a number of years. The results of his special treatment of
chronic otorrhoea with zinc ionisation have been remarkably
successful and explains the comparatively small percentage of
chronic otitis media met with amongst the school population.
"The number of children who attended the clinic during the
year and the results of the treatment have been very satisfactory.
"In Walthamstow the children and parents attend the clinic
very well. The parents, on the whole, are interested in having
their children treated and are glad to take advantage of the services
provided by the Committee. The administrative side make frequent
scrutiny of any absentees and they are written to for new appointments,
and the nursing staff also visit any of these cases when
required.
"The inclusion of infants and pre-school children in the aural
scheme for treatment is a great advance. A large proportion of
such defects as otitis media, deafness, impaired hearing, nasal
catarrh, mouth breathing, diseased tonsils and adenoids, found in
school children and adults have had their origin during pre-school
life.
"They usually begin as a sequel to such diseases as measles,
scarlet fever, pneumonia, which are common in young children.
This is especially true of otitis media. The anatomical structure
of the ear apparatus in very young children renders it easily liable
to any infection from the nose or throat.
"In many instances the early signs are slight and do not
receive sufficient attention; they are often neglected or treatment
is imperfectly carried out, with the result that when the child
reaches school age the condition has reached a chronic stage and
slowly progresses to a permanent defect. Hence the great importance
of detecting and correctly treating these ailments in their early
stage.