Peculiarities of the deaf and dumb as regards medical treatment, and their idiocyncrasies [sic] which have been observed at the Ulster Institution / Henry Samuel Purdon.

  • Purdon, Henry Samuel.
Date:
1865
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Peculiarities of the deaf and dumb as regards medical treatment, and their idiocyncrasies [sic] which have been observed at the Ulster Institution / Henry Samuel Purdon. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    9/20 (page 7)
    “ DISEASES OCCASIONING DEAE-MUTEISM.” The congenital causes which produce deaf-mutism are not known, but it is thought to be in the nervous apparatus of the ear. According to Mr. Toynbee, the causes of acquired deaf-muteism arises from Scarlatina, Measles, Hydrocephalus, Convulsions, Fright, &c. In examining the ears of the deaf and dumb, the membrana tympani is found to be in different states, viz.:—Opaque, per¬ forated, very concave, thickened, absent, or in some cases a polypus may be attached to it, or the disease may be occasioned by some change in the meatus, or eustachian tube. Mr. Toynbee gives the following condition of the ears of 141 congenital cases, in which sounds were heard. In 11 who heard a clapping of hands, 7 had a normal aspect. In 2 each membrana tympani was opaque. In 1 each meatus was distended by cerumen, and the membrana tympani was opaque. In 1 each membrana tympani was concave. In 44 who heard a shout, 21 were apparently normal. In 7 each membrana tympani was dull. In 4 each membrana tympani was dull and meatus full of cerumen. In 4 each membrana tympani was opaque. In 4 each membrana tympani was concave. In 2 each membrana tympani was concave and opaque. In 2 each membrana tympani was perforated. In 39 who heard a loud voice, 24 were apparently natural. In 7 each membrana tympani was dull. In 3 each membrana tympani was dull and meatus full of cerumen. In 3 each membrana tympani was opaque. In 1 each membrana tympani was concave. In 1, in one ear, the membrana tympani was normal; in the other opaque, and the meatus full of cerumen.