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wax (which was removed and the child re-tested). If after this
examination and local treatment, the child still "failed to pass" the
repeat hearing test he was referred to the E.N.T. clinic for detailed
examination and treatment. A number were still waiting to be
seen, at the end of the year, many have been discharged and others
are still under treatment.
"As the examination and treatment of all cases could not be
completed by the end of the year a full account of the survey is
not possible for this year's Report.
"The detection of defective hearing among pre-school and
school children is a very urgent problem for it is here that the
greater majority of cases of acquired deafness found among the
adult population originate.
"It is estimated that from a number of similar hearing surveys
carried out in different areas that an average of from 4 to 6 per
cent. of those tested have a hearing deficiency. These cases in a
fairly large area amount to a considerable number. When it is
realised that this amount of deafness, if undetected and untreated
becomes progressive and permanent in most cases it becomes an
economic as well as a social problem.
"An audiometric survey properly carried out at regular intervals
among the school population is the quickest and most accurate
means of detecting the amount of hearing loss an a school population.
Often the individual loss is small and could easily pass
unnoticed by parents or teachers, and even by the school medical
officers with only the usual methods of testing at their disposal such
as the watch-tick, tuning fork, or 'voice' tests which are so
variable. The audiometer will on the other hand detect the slightest
loss.
"Deafness in children as well as adults may be due to various
causes. Neglected or improperly treated ear discharge is one of the
most frequent. It is vitally important that any recurring attacks of
earache or the presence of ear discharge or slight sign of deafness
in a child or infant should receive immediate attention and appropriate
treatment and be kept under careful observation until one
is satisfied that the hearing is fully recovered. Unhealthy nasopharyngeal
and any other predisposing conditions should, of course,
be promptly attended to for their detrimental effect on the auditory
mechanism is always important.
"It is estimated that with proper care, early detection and
suitable treatment 80 per cent. of acquired deafness is avoidable
and that an average of 70 to 80 per cent. of the impaired hearing
found in school children by audiometric survey can be cured and
the hearing restored to normal by diagnosis of the causes and
suitable treatment.