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The results of the survey of special visual defects carried out under the auspices
of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1948-49 had not been received by the end of the year,
but the preliminary findings came to hand as this report was going to press• It is hoped
to be able to make a fuller comment on the matter in next year's report.
EARj NOSE AND THROAT DEFECTS: DEFECTIVE HEARING. The specialist Ear, Nose and
Throat clinics established in 1947 have proved a marked success.
The total number of tonsil and adenoid operations known to have been performed
during the year was 227. Of this number 108 were performed by Mr.Scott at Whipps Cross
Hospital. Six hundred and thirty-five children were treated for various conditions
affecting the ears, nose and throat; three hundred and sixty-three of these were given
treatment at minor ailment clinics. Details of the ascertainment of deaf children are
given on page 69.
HEARING OF SCHOOL CHILDREN. Miss S. J. Riches commenced duty as a whole-time
audiometrician in the School Health Service on 17th April, 1950 •
Her duties consist in visiting the schools and testing the hearing of the children
by means of a gramophone audiometer. This is a form of gramophone with an electrical
pick- up and no loud speaker. To the machine are attached a number of telephone receivers
by long leads, and it is possible to test 20 children at a time*
In carrying out the test the children place the headphone first on the right ear.
The gramophone record is started and then single numerals are given out* and are recorded
with gradually reduced loudness (the numbers vary in amplitude from +30 to -3 decibels).
Then the headphone is changed over to the left ear and the test carried out again. The
children who failed in the first test were given a second test before being referred to
the area doctor for further examination. It was deemed desirable to refer to the clinic
any child with a decibel loss of 12 and over in either ear.
Up to the present only children of eight years of age and over have usually been
tested. A few seven year old children have been tested. The group audiometer achieves
its main purpose in the detection of slight and early cases of defective hearing,, The
following is a summary of the children tested and referred for further investigation.
Number Number Number
Tested Re-Tested Defective
Boys 2,521 31
Girls 2,396 931 29
Out of this number tested it was found necessary to refer the 60 children found defective
to the area doctors for further examination. They, in turn, found it necessary to refer
23 children - 13 boys and 10 girls - for specialist opinion, the remainder being remedied
by simple treatment.
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