apathetic expression, his nose and throat
should be examined, and if advisable his tonsils and adenoids should be
removed.

DEFECTIVE HEARING.--Permanent deafness among children in the great
majority of cases comes from trouble in the throat or nose; hence the
most effective measure to prevent deafness is to make sure that every
child's nose, throat, and mouth are in a normal condition. Sensitive or
timid children try to hide infirmities of any kind, but deaf children
seem peculiarly unable to explain their difficulties. "No one," says
Cornell, "has ever recorded that a small child complained of inability
to hear." A child's ears should be examined if he breathes through his
mouth, if he stoops habitually, if he is persistently inattentive, or if
he is vague or stupid in carrying out directions. A child who appears
normal at times and inattentive or stupid at other times should also be
examined, since he may be deaf in one ear.

Temporary deafness may come from accumulated wax in the ear. The wax
should be removed by a doctor; inexpert attempts are likely to cause
serious injury to the ear drum. Intermittent deafness may be caused by
enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Children thus affected are not
infrequently punished for seeming disobedience. Such children are
especially liable to street accidents.

DEFECTIVE TEETH have been considered on page 44.

POSTURE.--In childhood the bones are soft and yield with comparative
ease to continued strains; hence they often become deformed by bad
positions assumed in sitting, standing, or in using the body in other
ways. The postures habitually assumed by a child should be noticed and
good postures should be insisted upon. But it is not enough to admonish
him. The various causes tending to encourage bad positions should be
corrected; among them are insufficient illumination of books and work,
defective eyesight or hearing, obstructions in breathing, muscular
weakness, and low general vitality. Children should have their chairs
and tables suited to their size for their work both at home and in
school.

[Illustration: FIG. 28.--INCORRECT SITTING POSTURES. (_From Cornell,
"Health and Medical Inspection of School Children." F. A. Davis Co.,
Philadelphia._)]

[Illustration: FIG. 29.--INCORRECT SITTING POSTURES. (_From Cornell,
"Health and Medical Inspection of School Children." F. A. Davis Co.,
Philadelphia._)]

[Illustration: FIG. 30.--INCORRECT SITTING POSTURES. (_From Cornell,