Abstract:
Tribute is paid to the Dutch Government and the Cultural-historic Agreement
between Holland and South Africa which enabled Prof. Hamersma to complete
his post-graduate studies in Amsterdam, where he obtained his doctor's
degree on the new electronystagmographical examination of the balance
organ.
The development of Otorhinolaryngology is described, with emphasis on
the advances made with microsurgery of the ear. This new field was opened
up by the development of the operating microscope in Germany. Operations
for middle-ear deafness are carried out with great skill in South Africa,
but with the introduction of the new neuro-otological methods surgical
treatment of some conditions of the hearing nerve and the balance nerve
has now also become possible. The facial nerve can now be exposed
throughout its entire course through the bone of the ear without damaging
the hearing facility .
. Reorganization of the E.N.T. Department as well as the Ear, Nose & Throat
Hospital in Skinner Street is described. The Ear, Nose & Throat Department
has established closer relations with the Audiology Department of the University
of Pretoria. The outcome of this is that the new electrocochleography
hearing test will shortly become available. The new so-called Electronic Ear
from Los Angeles, illustrated to the audience on videotape, will also become
available in the not too distant future.
Reference is made to a seminar, videotaped on an experimental basis by the
proposed University of Pretoria TV Service, which deals with Prof. Hamersma's
research on bone diseases affecting the ear.
