Noise is a global occupational and environmental health hazard with considerable social and physiological impact and, therefore, there is a need for regular measurements to boost monitoring and regulations of environmental noise levels in our communities. This necessitates a readily available, inexpensive, and easy to use noise measuring device. We aimed to test the sensitivity and validity of mobile "smart" phones for this purpose. This was a comparative analysis of a cross sectional study done between January 2014 and February 2015. Noise levels were measured simultaneously at different locations within Abuja Nigeria at day and night hours in real time environments. A sound level meter (SLM) (Extech407730 Digital Soundmeter, serial no.: 2310135, calibration no: 91037) and three smartphones (Samsung Galaxy note3, Nokia S, and Techno Phantom Z running on Android "Apps" Androidboy1) were used. Statistical calculations were done with Pearson correlation, T-test and Consistency within American National Standards Institute acceptable standard errors. Noise level readings for both daytime and night with the SLM and the mobile phones showed equivalent values. All noise level meters measured were <100dB. The daytime readings were nearly identical in six locations and the maximum difference in values between the SLM and Smartphone instruments was 3db, noted in two locations. Readings in dBA showed strong correlation (r = 0.9) within acceptable error limits for Type 2 SLM devices and no significant difference in the values (p = 0.12 & 0.58) for both day and night. Sensitivity of the instrument yielded 92.9%. The androidboy1 "app" performance in this study showed a good correlation and comparative high sensitivity to the Standard SLM (type 2 SLM device). However there is the need for further studies.

Background: Otitis media with effusion (OME) is a middle ear condition characterized by the accumulation of serous fluid. It is common, though not exclusive; among children with its attendant developmental consequence if missed or untreated in early life. OME could be managed surgically, pharmacologically, or physiologically. EarPopper is a medical device developed for physiologic management of OME, Eustachian tube dysfunction, and related problems. We aim to ascertain the suitability/efficiency of EarPopper® device for the treatment of OME in our setting. Methodology: This is a prospective interventional study of volunteers diagnosed with OME from four (4) medical centers in Abuja. Pneumatic otoscopy, video-otoscopy, tympanometry, and pure-tone audiometry were done to confirm the diagnosis. Serial EarPopper sessions were performed twice weekly for 2–12 weeks, and outcome was assessed using patients’ reports. The reports include the EarPopper scoring system (ESS) and audiometric parameters (before and after therapy). Results: Forty-five patients (17 males and 28 females) aged between 3–56 years were enrolled. Thirty-five were diagnosed with bilateral OME and 10 unilateral. All patients had Type-B tympanometry tracing with mild-to-moderate conductive hearing losses and ESS of between 2.45% and 84%. Out of the 45 participants, 32 (71.1%) completed the treatment, whereas 13 (28.9%) were lost to follow-up. Duration of EarPopper treatment ranged from 2 to 12 weeks. The outcome revealed improvement in 26/32 (81.3%) with significant reduction in ESS (1% to 9.8%). Six patients 6/32 (18.9%) had persistence symptoms. These 18.9% had the propensity to progress to chronic OME. Conclusion: This study highly suggests good prospect in using EarPopper for the management of OME among Africans.

Objective: Adenoid Hypertrophy is a common childhood condition that presents with mouth breathing, nasal discharge, snoring and sleep apnea. Lateral Nasopharyngeal X-ray aids diagnosis and assessment of patency of the Nasopharyngeal air column through Adenoid Nasopharyngeal Ratio (ANR). This study aims to correlate ANR with symptoms and signs of Adenoid Hypertrophy. Material and Methods: A retrospective study conducted in the Ear, Nose and Throat/Head and Neck Surgery (ENT/HNS) Department of University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada from January 2019 to December 2021. The case notes and Lateral Nasopharyngeal X-rays of 66 Children aged between 2months to 11 years, with suspected Adenoid Hypertrophy were retrieved and relevant retrieved data analyzed. Results: A total of 66 patients were enrolled into this study with 50 (75.76%) males and 16 (24.24%) females. The age range was between 2 months to 11 years, with a mean of 3.65±2.76 years. ANR ranged from 0.03 to 0.94 with mean 0.71±0.15. Out of the 66 participants, 30 (46.15%) had ANR of 0.7, while 35 (53.85%) had ANR of > 0.7. Linear regression analysis showed association between age and ANR (P < 0.05). Snoring was the most common symptom (92.42%), followed by Mouth breathing (89.39%) and Nasal Discharge (77.27%). Majority of patients (88.6%) had a Mild Symptom Score. There was no statistically significant relationship between any of the clinical features and ANR. Conclusion: There is no significant correlation between the clinical features and adenoid nasopharyngeal ratio.

Background: In most centers worldwide, thyroidectomy is performed under general anaesthesia as a result of advances in anaesthetic technique, consideration for patients' safety and surgeons' convenience. However, in some developing countries such as Nigeria, facilities and expertise for general anaesthesia are not equitably distributed. As such, they are not available in some health centers especially in the rural communities. Hence, the need to explore other suitable alternatives such as operating under local anaesthesia. Aim: This study aims to highlight the feasibility and safety of thyroidectomy under local anaesthesia at a surgical outreach in a rural community in Nigeria. Patients and Methods: The study site was conducted at Bethany Medical Centre, Gboko, Benue State, Nigeria. It was a one-week surgical outreach. Neck infiltration with local anaesthesia was carried out using 2% xylocaine with adrenaline 1:200,000 and a standard open technique was used to carry out all thyroidectomies. Results: Out of seventy (70) patients that presented during the study period, 31 (44.3%) met the inclusion criteria and were operated within the seven (7) days period. There were 3 (10.7%) males and 28 (89.3%) females. There ages ranged between 22 to 65 years, average was 43 years. The average duration of surgery was 90 minutes, and 3 days' hospital stay. Those followed up two weeks post-operation recuperated well with no notable complications. Conclusion: Thyroidectomy under local anaesthesia is safe and feasible in our rural communities and in selected cases can be a suitable alternative to general anaesthesia.