Pharyngeal Fish Hook Impaction: Case Report and Literature Review.

Foreign bodies, particularly fish bones, in the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus are a common complaint. A swallowed foreign body can be embedded in the tonsil, the base of the tongue, the pyriform fossae, or any region of the upper esophagus. A 70-year-old woman presented with persistent left-sided pharyngeal pain with the sensation of a foreign body for 10 days. She felt a sudden sharp pain in her pharynx while eating a fish head 10 days before the presentation. On examination, an elderly woman was found in painful distress. Flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy revealed a pool of saliva in the pyriform fossae and a diagnosis of a foreign body in the esophagus was suspected. She was planned for direct laryngoscopy, left (lateral/external) pharyngotomy, and removal of foreign bodies under fluoroscopic guidance of the C-arm. A metallic fish hook that hung over the greater left horn, buried in the neck muscles, was found during the surgery and was extracted. The patient did well postoperatively and was discharged from the clinic. Foreign bodies, particularly fish bones, in the hypopharynx and cervical esophagus are a common complaint, particularly in the African setting.

Malaria infection and its association with socio-demographics, long lasting insecticide nets usage and hematological parameters among adolescent patients in rural Southwestern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: There is increasing evidence suggesting that adolescents are contributing to the populations at risk of malaria. This study determined the prevalence of malaria infection among the adolescents and examined the associated determinants considering socio-demographic, Long Lasting Insecticide Nets (LLINs) usage, and hematological factors in rural Southwestern Nigeria. METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted between July 2021 and September 2022 among 180 adolescents who were recruited at a tertiary health facility in rural Southwestern Nigeria. Interviewer administered questionnaire sought information on their socio-demographics and usage of LLINs. Venous blood samples were collected and processed for malaria parasite detection, ABO blood grouping, hemoglobin genotype, and packed cell volume. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The prevalence of malaria infection was 71.1% (95% CI: 68.2%-73.8%). Lack of formal education (AOR = 2.094; 95% CI: 1.288-3.403), being a rural residence (AOR = 4.821; 95% CI: 2.805-8.287), not using LLINs (AOR = 1.950; 95% CI: 1.525-2.505), genotype AA (AOR = 3.420; 95% CI: 1.003-11.657), genotype AS (AOR = 3.574; 95%CI: 1.040-12.277), rhesus positive (AOR = 1.815; 95% CI:1.121-2.939), and severe anemia (AOR = 1.533; 95% CI: 1.273-1.846) were significantly associated with malaria infection. CONCLUSION: The study revealed the prevalence of malaria infection among the adolescents in rural Southwestern Nigeria. There may be need to pay greater attention to adolescent populations for malaria intervention and control programs.

Knowledge and awareness of aetiological and risk factors as determinants of health-seeking pattern of parents of children with epistaxis in a tertiary health institution: A 7-year prospective study.

Aim: This prospective study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of aetiological and risk factors as determinants of the health-seeking pattern of parents of children with epistaxis in a tertiary health institution. Materials and Methods: This was a 7-year cross-sectional prospective study where copies of the questionnaire were distributed to consenting parents whose children presented to our institution with epistaxis between January 2015 and December 2021. A total of 570 parents were enrolled in the study in the research time period. Results: Out of 570 patients, majority (39%) were aged between 11 and 15 years, followed by 35% aged between 6 and 10 years, 17% aged between 1 and 5 years and 11% aged between 16 and 18 years. Three hundred and eighty (66.67%) were male and 190 (33.33%) were female. Two hundred and ninety-five (51.75%) patients had primary education, followed by 189 (33.16%) patients with secondary education and 86 (15.09%) patients with preschool education. Three hundred and seventy-three (65.44%) patients had anterior bleeding and 107 (18.77%) patients had posterior bleeding while 90 (15.79%) patients had both anterior and posterior bleeding. The majority of the parents, 399 (70%), were aware about the epistaxis while 171 (30%) parents were unaware about the epistaxis. Conclusion: A significant number of parents are unaware of the epistaxis and also unaware of the various aetiological and risk factors of the epistaxis and these issues need a more nuanced analysis in light of Africa's rich cultural diversity.

Small intestinal obstruction due to subserosa fibrolipoma in a 2-year-old child: A case report and literature review.

Lipomas of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) are generally rare. They are rare in children, and when they occur they are usually submucosa. Most of the submucosa lipomas of GIT are present in the colon (65%-75%) and small intestine (25%). In children, intestinal lipoma is a documented cause of pathological lead point intussusception, especially when located in the submucosa. The present case report is of subserosa lipoma in the distal ileum. A 2-year-old boy presented with features of intestinal obstruction which was preceded by a painless abdominal mass. In the absence of computerised tomography scan, he was operated, and histopathology examination confirmed the mass as pedunculated fibrolipoma arising from the subserosa and causing extrinsic compression of the ileum.

Awareness, knowledge, and factors that influenced the uptake of screening tests for prostate cancer among men aged 40 and older in Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria.

Background: Despite being the second most common and deadliest cancer in males, prostate cancer could go unnoticed in the early stages. Prevention programs have been set in place to help in the early detection and reduction of mortality rates in developed countries. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine awareness, knowledge, and the uptake of prostate cancer screening tests. Another objective was to identify the factors that determine the uptake of prostate cancer screening among men living in Ido-Ekiti. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among males aged 40 and above living in Ido-Ekiti in Ido-Osi local government area, Ekiti State, Nigeria. The sample size of 380 respondents was obtained using Leslie Fisher's formula. Results: The study revealed that the majority of the correspondents are aware of prostate cancer (57.9%). More than two-thirds of the respondents have poor knowledge of prostate cancer and the screening test (74.4%), with a median knowledge score of 30%. The uptake of prostate cancer screening tests was very low among the respondents (18.2%). Conclusion: Despite the high level of awareness of prostate cancer disease among the respondents, the majority have poor knowledge of the disease and the screening test. There was a low uptake of prostate cancer screening tests among the respondents.

Acute severe asthma and its predictors of mortality in rural Southwestern Nigeria: a-five year retrospective observational study.

OBJECTIVES: There is an observed paucity of data regarding the predictors of asthma mortality in Nigeria. This study aimed to ascertain the clinical presentations and predictors of acute severe asthma mortality in rural Southwestern Nigeria. METHODS: A retrospective observational study using a data form and a standardized questionnaire was used to review the 124 patients admitted at Emergency Department between January 2015 and December 2019. The data were analyzed using SPSS Version 22.0. The results were presented in descriptive and tabular formats. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of asthma mortality and a p-value <.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 124 patients were studied. The acute severe asthma mortality was 4.8% and its predictors were older age (Crude odds Ratio (COR), 14.857; 95% CI: 2.489-88.696, p < .001), Tobacco smoking (COR, 6.741; 95% CI: 1.170-38.826, p = .016), more than three co-morbidities (COR, 2.750; 95% CI: 1.147-26.454, p = 0.012), diabetes mellitus (COR, 13.750; 95% CI: 2.380-79.433, p < .001), Human Immunodeficiency virus (COR, 117.000; 95% CI: 9.257-1479.756, p < .001), ≥2 days before presentation (COR, 7.440; 95% CI: 1.288-42.980, p = .039), and Short-acting-B2-agonists overuse (COR, 7.041; 95% CI: 1.005-62.165, p = .044). CONCLUSION: The mortality rate was 4.8% and its predictors were older age patients, tobacco smoking, multiple co-morbidities, diabetes mellitus, HIV, SP02 <90%, delay presentation, and Short-acting-B2-agonists over use, The study showed that there is high prevalence of asthma mortality in rural Southwestern Nigeria. The findings may be used to plan for asthma preventions and control programs in rural settings, and may also provide an impetus for prospective research on these outcomes.

The Cost of Setting Up an ENT Endoscopic Practice in Lower Middle-Income Countries of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeons in developing countries are constrained to practicing with lower technology, lower cost surgery, and reliance on outdated surgical techniques carried out with improvised instruments when compared with their counterparts in the developed world. In this review, we planned to lay open the bottle necks militating against setting up an ENT endoscopy practice in our setting with possible outcomes. The literature search was carried out to retrieve relevant published articles, books, and guidelines. Unpublished literatures were excluded. The search was limited to articles in English. ENT clinical practice in lower middle-income countries (LMICs) where there are limited or no ENT endoscopic setup due to high cost of procurement and maintenance, human resources, lack of subspecialty training, and inadequate funding by policy makers poses major challenges that can militate against the provision of adequate and effective surgical management. A continually improved management practices will positively affect the organisational structure, efficiency, and safety of a system. That is, an affordable and standard ENT endoscopic setup will go a long way to improve the access to training and practice for both ENT clinical and surgical purposes. The expansion of ENT endoscopic specialist training will improve both the diagnostic and therapeutic acumen in ENT practice in LMICs. The budget for health and the health-funding systems of our institutions must receive special and specific attentions tailored towards putting our health facilities in better shapes, subspecialty training, and procurement of state-of-the-art endoscopic equipment with proper plans on maintenance culture.

Community-acquired pneumonia and its predictors of mortality in rural southwestern Nigeria: A-five year retrospective observational study.

Introduction: The predictors of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) mortality are important outcome measures in epidemiological studies and clinical trials. There is an observed paucity of data regarding the predictors of mortality of CAP in Nigeria. Few studies from the urban centres have been reported in the literature, with none from the rural centres. The objective of this study is to ascertain the clinical presentations, risk factors, and predictors of mortality among patients admitted for CAP in rural Southwestern Nigeria. Methods: A retrospective observational study using a data form and a standardised questionnaire reviewed the 176 patients admitted to Southwestern Nigeria hospital between January 2015 and December 2019. The data were analysed using SPSS Version 22.0. The results were presented in descriptive and tabular formats. Results: A total of 176 patients were studied. Their mean age was 53.3±16.8 years. There were more males, 112 (63.6%), than females. The most common clinical presentations were cough, fever and sputum expectoration. The case fatality rate was 9.1% and its predictors were older aged patients [Adjusted Odds Ration (AOR), 4.135: 95% Confidence Interval (CI) (1.389-12.315); p =0.005], hypoxia [AOR, 11.118: 95% CI (2.607-47.405); p<0.001], tobacco smoking [AOR, 3.632: 95% CI (1.459-9.039); p=0.008], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) [AOR, 10.111: 95%CI (2.370-43.139); p <0.001], and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) [AOR, 9.444: 95% CI (4.304-20.725), p<0.001]. Conclusion: The case -fatality rate was 9.1%, and its predictors were older age patients, patients with hypoxia, tobacco smoking, COPD, and HIV. This study strengthens the argument on the higher prevalence of CAP and its mortality in rural Southwestern Nigeria. The findings may provide an impetus for prospective research on these outcomes.

Pattern of Surgical Emergencies in Rural Southwestern Nigeria.

Introduction: Considering the magnitude of deaths prevailing in the accident and emergency department (AED) in health facilities of sub-Sahara Africa, there is a need to have information on the burden of admissions and deaths due to surgical emergencies. Few studies in Nigerian hospitals in urban and suburban areas have been documented, but none in the rural setting. The objectives of this study were to ascertain the sociodemographic profile, causes and outcomes of admissions, and the pattern and causes of deaths due to surgical emergencies. Methods: A retrospective survey using a data form and a predetermined questionnaire was used to review the patients admitted for surgical emergencies at the AED of a tertiary hospital in rural southwestern Nigeria from January 2015 to December 2019. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 22.0. The results were presented in descriptive and tabular formats. Results: Surgical emergencies constituted 43.9% of all admissions. The mean age of admissions was 42 ± 16.9 years, and majorities were in the young and middle-aged groups. There were more males (66.4%) than females (33.6%). Trauma(60.9%) of which road traffic accident (RTAs)(56.0%), was the leading mechanism of trauma. The mortality rate was 5.4% and was caused majorly by RTAs (33.0%), diabetes mellitus foot ulcers (11.0%), and malignancies (9.8%). Conclusion: In this study, surgical emergencies constituted 43.9%, and a majority of the patients were male. Trauma caused by RTA is the most cause of admission. The mortality rate was 5.4%. This finding may provide an impetus for prospective research on this outcome.

A delayed diagnosis of congenital midline cervical cleft.

Congenital midline cervical cleft (CMCC) is an extremely rare anomaly of the neck that typically presents in the neonatal period as a thin suprasternal vertical band of erythematous skin with a nipple-like projection. We present the management of this uncommon and rarely described entity in a 9-year-old girl.

Knowledge and awareness of nasal allergy among patients in a developing country.

BACKGROUND: Nasal allergy is a common public health disorder seen in clinical practice worldwide. This disorder affected activities such as sleep, education, trading, economy, and social life. This study aimed at determining the level of knowledge and awareness of nasal allergy among patients seen in the otorhinolaryngology clinical practice of a developing country. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study, which was carried out among patients seen in Ekiti state university teaching hospital, Nigeria. Each patient completed a pretested interviewer assisted questionnaire on socio-demographic features, awareness, and knowledge on nasal allergy. Data obtained were documented, collated, and analyzed by SPSS version 18.0. RESULTS: There were 16.4% patient's awareness and knowledge on nasal allergy, and 10.6% had allergic rhinitis. The patients included 59.2% males and male to female ratio was 1.5:1.Most common sources of information on nasal allergy were from ear, nose, and throat specialist/other doctors in 62.6%. Other sources were friends/relatives and media/Internet in 28.5% and 9.0%, respectively. Knowledge and awareness on if the nasal allergy was common in Nigeria and worldwide among the patients were 26.6% and 24.9%, respectively. However, 56.7% patients were aware that nasal allergy were commonly seen and diagnosed in the hospital.On the basis of knowledge and awareness of etiology of nasal allergy, majority 55.2% believed micro-organisms caused nasal-allergy. Minority 40.4% agreed nasal allergy was caused by parents genetic transmission from parents to offspring.On the awareness and knowledge of nasal allergy and its manifestations, the most common symptoms was 63.4% itching ear, throat, and eyes others were 63.2% catarrh and 56.3% bout of sneezing. There were 64.6% patients awareness of nasal allergy causes impairing concentration. However, 68.2% believed nasal allergy were curable diseases. On the awareness and knowledge, treatment was 52.7% prayer/spiritual intervention, 34.3% herbs, and 57.1% over-the-counter medication. However, 45.4% were aware and knowledgeable on the significance of avoidance of allergens. CONCLUSION: The level of awareness and knowledge on nasal allergy low with high levels of prevalence. Patients awareness and knowledge on etiology, clinical manifestations, effects, and management of nasal allergy is low.

Prevalence, Awareness, and Factors Associated with Noise-induced Hearing Loss in Occupational Motorcyclists in Southwestern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: There is generally a lack of awareness among professional motorcycle riders on the risk of noise-induced hearing loss; due to a variety of factors, they are exposed to by the nature of their job. This study, therefore, aimed to determine the prevalence, awareness, and factors associated with noise-induced hearing loss among motorcycle riders in Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between February and March 2019 among 420 motorcycle riders in Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Southwestern Nigeria. Data analyses were performed using the SPSS software version 20. P ≤ 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Three hundred and sixty of the total of 420 consented for pure-tone audiometry which was done to assess their hearing thresholds. RESULTS: Majority of the respondents had at least a secondary level of education. About 14.5% of the total study population had hearing loss, among which 15% also reported an accompanying ear discharge. All of the respondents did not have any history of hearing loss before they started the occupation. More than half of the study population was aware of noise-induced hearing loss and was able to link it to their profession. None of the study participants used a hearing aid, but 17.9% reported using ear mufflers and 16.2% used earphones while riding. CONCLUSION: Majority of our respondents had secondary school education and 14.5% of the total study population reported hearing loss, among which 15% also reported an accompanying ear discharge. Furthermore, more than half of the study population was aware of noise-induced hearing loss and was able to link it to their profession, whereas 50% agreed that their occupation placed them at risk of hearing loss.

Unusual Hypopharyngeal Foreign Body (Meat Bolus) in a Cardiovascular Disease Patient.

A 50-year old post-cardiovascular disease trader was rushed to our hospital's accident and emergency unit because of sudden onset noisy breathing associated with difficulty with breathing which had progressed for two days. Clinical examination revealed a patient in severe respiratory distress. We performed an urgent fibreoptic endoscopy to remove a meat bolus. It was found impacted in the hypopharynx with near-complete occlusion of the laryngeal inlet. He remained asymptomatic after the procedure and was subsequently transferred to the neurology unit for further management.

The prevalence and determinants of helmet use amongst commercial motorcyclists in Ido-Osi local government area.

Commercial motorcycle (CM) accidents constitute a major public concern in Nigeria. There is 8:10 chance that injuries resulting from these accidents are severe and debilitating including head and spinal injuries. This study is aimed at producing useful data on the prevalence, frequency, and determinants of helmet use among commercial motorcyclist in Ido-Osi Local Government Area, Ekiti State, Nigeria. The study was a descriptive/cross-sectional study. A total of 360 respondents were selected by multi-stage sampling technique and interviewed using assisted self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. Determinants of helmet use examined included age, educational level, marital status and religion. There was a 100% response rate. More than half of the respondents were within the age range of 20-29 years 164(53.6%) with the mean age of the study participants 29.9. The prevalence of helmet usage among commercial motorcyclist was 23.5%. The commonest reason for not using a crash helmet in this study was non-availability. The commonest reason for the non-availability of the welding helmet was the cost of the helmet. Less than half of the respondents were able to show or present helmet although some of the helmet presented were sub-standard (39.7%). The study also revealed irregular use of helmets among the respondents that used a helmet while riding a motorcycle as only 2.7% of them used it for all the five riding sessions assessed in this study. There was a statistically significant relationship between age, educational level, marital status and the use of helmets among respondents with p values of 0.005, 0.027, and 0.009, respectively. The prevalence of the use of helmets among the motorcyclist in this study is low despite the high level of awareness of legislation among the respondents on the use of helmets during riding. There is a need for the government to make provision for a safety helmet for this group of people at a subsidized rate if it cannot be given free of charge because of the economic situation of the country. There is a need to carry out behavioral change communication for this group of people.

Outcome of Adenotonsillar Specimen Histology in a Private Hospital Setting.

BACKGROUND: All adenoid and tonsils tissue specimens are routinely histologically examined in pediatric otorhinolaryngology practice worldwide. This study aimed at determining the sociodemographic features, clinical presentation, indications, postoperative management, and histological diagnosis of the adenoid and tonsils tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective hospital-based study of patients who had adenotonsillectomy done between August 2008 and July 2018 at Golden Cross Infirmary Hospital, Festac Town, Lagos, Nigeria. All data were obtained from the patients' record, case note, and theater operation register. All the data obtained were collated and analyzed using SPSS version 18.0. RESULTS: There were 59.2% of males with a male-to-female ratio of 1.5:1. Clinical presentation among the pediatric patients was 71.8% difficulty breathing, 64.8% snoring, 63.4% sleep apnea, 60.6% catarrh, and 54.9% noisy breathing. The most common indications for adenoid and tonsils surgery were obstructive sleep apnea in 64.8%. Adenoidectomy in 42.3% was the most common form of pediatric adenoid and tonsils surgery. The most common complication of adenoid and tonsils surgery was pain at surgical site/odynophagia in all the patients. Postoperative histological reports were reactive lymphoid hyperplasia in all the patients. CONCLUSION: Adenoid and tonsils surgeries are common pediatric otorhinolaryngology, head-and-neck surgical procedures. The most common indication found for adenoid and tonsils surgery was obstructive sleep. Adenoidectomy was the most common form of pediatric adenoid and tonsils surgery. All the adenoid and tonsils tissue specimens revealed histological benign diseases.

Flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy: Evaluation and appraisal of its effectiveness and diagnostic yield, The Nigerian experience.

BACKGROUND: Fiber-optic nasopahryngolaryngoscopy is a visual examination of the larynx and its related structures. It is an effective procedure for ascertaining the causes of laryngeal disorders, pain in the throat, and difficulty in swallowing and hence should be used in all ENT clinics routinely. This study established the diagnostic effectiveness of fiber-optic nasoparyngolaryngoscopy in our clinics in Federal Teaching Hospital Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. It also analyzed the indications, findings, and the role it played in the management of the patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a one-year (May 2015 to April 2019) prospective study involving 100 patients who had nasolaryngoscopy procedures done in the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgery clinics of Federal Teaching Hospital Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria. A structured proforma was designed for the study. The data collected included the biodata (age and sex), presenting symptoms/indications for the procedure and findings at nasopharyngolaryngoscopy. These were entered into SPSS version 24 computer software and analyzed descriptively. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients had the procedure during the study period. The mean age and standard deviation of respondents were 47.3 ± 16.4 years with more than half (71.0%) being females. The male to female ratio was 1:2.4. Majority of the patients were in the age range of 60 years and above (28.0%) while the minority were less than 20 years (6.0%). CONCLUSION: This study substantiates the contention that flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy is a very effective diagnostic tool for the patients presenting with upper airway related symptoms.

Pattern of allergic rhinitis among children in Ekiti, Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis is a chronic and recurrent nasal condition. It is often neglected in children with late presentation. This study aimed at determining the prevalence, sociodemographic features, comorbid illnesses, complications and quality of life in children with allergic rhinitis in the study institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective hospital based study of children with allergic rhinitis in Ekiti state university teaching hospital, Ado Ekiti. The study was carried out in ENT department over a period of two years (between June 2015 to May 2017). Informed consent was obtained from the parents/guardian/patients and consented patients were enrolled into the study. Data were obtained by pretested interviewers assisted questionnaire. Details of their history, physical examination and investigations were carried out and findings were documented. All data obtained were descriptively analysed using SPSS version 18.0 and presented in simple tables and charts. Ethical clearance was sought for and obtained from the ethical committee of the hospital. RESULTS: A total of 4341 patients were seen out of which 265 were children with allergic rhinitis. Prevalence of allergic rhinitis in children in this study was 6.1%. There were 63.0% males with male to female ratio of 2:1. Allergic rhinitis was peaked at preschool age group (1-5 years) accounted for 47.9%. A total of 42.3% participants were living in urban setting while 57.7% were from rural setting. Majorities (40.4%) of the patients were in nursery and parent's major occupation was mainly farming in 27.2%. There was positive family history of allergy in 54.7% patients. Perennial allergic rhinitis were noted in 63.8% patients while seasonal allergic rhinitis were noted in 36.2% patients. Major form of allergens was inhalant 81.8% and the least form of allergen was ingestant 5.7%. The commonest identified trigger factors among the study population were as follows: dust, cold weather and smoke which were accounted for 59.6%, 37.4% and 18.9% of the study patients respectively. Other noted triggering factors were soap and perfume which accounted for 4.2% and 1.1% respectively. Major associated comorbid illnesses among the patients were tonsils hypertrophy, adenoid hypertrophy and inferior turbinate hypertrophy which accounted for 55.5%, 46.4% and 40.4% respectively. Clinical presentations of allergic rhinitis in this study were mainly 75.8% nasal blockage, 65.3% runny nose and 8.5% recurrent sneezing. Commonest complications of allergic rhinitis were 35.1% pharyngitis, 32.1% otitis media and 28.3% headache. Treatment of allergic rhinitis leads to improvement on the clinical features in 90.1% patients. No significant improvement in clinical features were noticed in 9.8% patients. None of the studied patients reported worse clinical condition after treatment of allergic rhinitis. No mortality was recorded from allergic rhinitis in this study. CONCLUSION: Allergic rhinitis affect all paediatric age group and there were delayed presentation in the participants. There were associated comorbid illnesses, complications and affectation of quality of life at presentation in majority of the patients.

Evaluation of the Hearing Test Pro Application as a Screening Tool for Hearing Loss Assessment.

BACKGROUND: Disabling hearing loss is considered a significant health problem globally with high incidence in developing countries. In Africa, different studies have shown that one in five Africans uses smartphones. This dispositive can be used to screen hearing loss. AIM: The study aims to appraise the effectiveness of Hearing Test Pro, an Android-based application, as a screening tool for hearing loss. METHODS: This is a prospective study developed in the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria, between September and December 2018. The study was approved by the institutional ethics committee. Consent of adult android users was conveniently obtained for the study. A regular audiometric test with Amplivox 260 was done after otoscopy (to exclude other ear pathology). The results were compared with the test developed by an android Hearing Test Pro app. A threshold of >40 decibels was used to determine any evidence of hearing loss at the specific frequency of 250-8000 Hz. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Three hundred and sixty ears of 180 patients were evaluated, of which 100 were male and 80 were female. The male-to-female ratio was 1.25:1. At lower frequency, a statistical difference between classical pure-tone thresholds recorded with the audiometer and the android phone was documented. However, this difference was not noted at higher frequencies. CONCLUSION: The Hearing Test Pro app effectively distinguishes between high-frequency hearing loss and thus can be useful as part of the hearing loss screening programs.

Palatal avulsion injury by a foreign body in a child.

A 6-year-old girl who claimed to have fallen while playing with metal rod that resulted in palatal avulsion injuries was presented. Neither of the parents was around when the incidence happened. She was brought to the hospital because of pain, bleeding from the mouth, drooling of saliva mixed with blood and inability to feed or phonate appropriately. Examinations of the oral cavity revealed a triangular area of avulsion in the posterior aspect of the hard palate extending to the soft palate. She had examination under anaesthesia and wound repaired with 3-0 vicryl interrupted sutures after thorough wound debridement. She did well and was discharged from the clinic.