Keel-, neus- en oorheelkunde - hede en toekoms.

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.