To present a purely scientific paper dealing with the subject of deafness is impossible. Too much remains unknown at present concerning the etiology, pathology and therapy for any one to attempt to be dogmatic. Certain facts, however, are definitely established, and with these as a basis, one can theorize as to probabilities. I will summarize the more important known factors of deafness and set forth probabilities with the hope that they will be investigated and either verified or disproved. At present, I am engaged in an intensive investigation of the subject of progressive deafness, and this paper is a preliminary communication.
At the outset, I will make clear just what my object is in the work I am carrying on. I believe that:
1. Progressive deafness is not a distinct entity.
2. In most instances progressive deafness is a local manifestation of a general metabolic disorder.