Audiologic and otologic screening.

Abstract

To the Editor .—The article "Audiologic and Otologic Screening of Disadvantaged Children" in the AprilArchives, (Fay et al: 91 :366-370) contains a statement that I feel needs amplification. A recommendation for T & A was made in 88 of 255 or a third of the children examined. In the first paragraph the authors state that these children are the bottom of the barrel and have had virtually no medical care and apparently little past history was available. The turnover was rapid and there was apparently no opportunity to follow these patients. In view of these facts, I do not see how a recommendation could be made that they have a major surgical procedure. There is much difference of opinion among physicians regarding T & A but I feel that almost everyone agrees a history and a period of observation is necessary to arrive at a reasonable approach to patients