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22
"A careful examination is made of the 'history and pathological'
condition of the throat and nose of each case before it is advised
operation. 'Enlargement' alone is not taken as an indication for
removal. There must be a definite pathological condition present
which affects the patient's health and is not likely to yield to
conservative treatment.
"Towards the end of the year a small number of tonsils were
treated by Peters' new method of tonsil 'Suction,' as alternative
to operation. The number treated was too small for us to make a
full report, but these few cases showed very promising results.
This year we hope to treat a number of cases with this method
and in a future report to give a full account of our experience of
its results.
"Other conservative means such as special tonsil 'paint,' mild
cautery, etc., have been used with the necessary attention to
associated nasal factors.
"The Audiometer, which has been in use for some years in
Walthamstow, has been regularly employed in a periodical Hearing
Test Survey of the school children, and any 'failures' are referred
to the Aural Clinic for examination and treatment.
"This early detection of any hearing defects is most important.
The audiometer has also been a great advantage in testing accurately
the rate of progress of these children under treatment for impaired
hearing.
"During the year, periodical special visits were made by the
Aural Surgeon to the School for the Deaf. Each child has been
examined at each visit and records made of his condition. Those
who required special treatment were referred to the aural clinic.
There is a multitone electrical hearing aids equipment installed at
the school. These aids greatly facilitate the work of the teacher
and are a great benefit to a number of the deaf children.
"One point in connection with the hearing test of the children
at the Deaf Centre. It is very desirable that a Pure Tone Audiometer
Test and Audiogram be made of each child's hearing loss.
It is very important in the correct setting of the Electrical Aids
to the requirements of each particular case. It also determines
accurately the nature and situation of the hearing loss.
"There are too few children to warrant the purchase of this
expensive apparatus (about £100), but it is possible that arrangements
may be made for the loan of an Audiometer to have these
children tested.
"A great advance by Walthamstow, one of the few places
where this service is available, is the provision made by the Committee
for the supply of special tonics, drugs, etc., to children
attending the clinic.