ObjectiveTo assess the effect of cardiovascular risk factors on hearing impairment.MethodsThis was a cross sectional study conducted in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto. A pretested questionnaire was used to obtain information about the biodata and medical history of participants after which, they were examined and had their hearing thresholds measured.ResultsIn this study, total of 220 participants were recruited. Within these participants, 112 (55.5%) were females, while 98 (44.5%) were males. The average age of the participants was (45.24 ± 12.21) years. The mean of pure tone average among the participants was (19.15 ± 9.28) dB HL. Thirty-six (16.4%) of the participants had some degree of hearing loss. Besides, 30 of them (13.6%) had hypertension, while 23 (10.5%) presented with diabetes mellitus. In addition, 43 participants (19.5%) had BMI (body mass index) that was ≥25 kg/m2. Also, 9 out of the 220 participants (4.1%) had a history of cigarette smoking. Our studies indicated that hypertension, diabetes mellitus, BMI of ≥25 kg/m2, and aging were significantly associated with the risk of hearing loss. In contrast, cigarette smoking and sex were not associated with the hearing loss.ConclusionThis study showed that hypertension, diabetes mellitus, aging, and higher BMI were associated with increase risk of hearing loss.

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Background: Goiter refers to a diffuse enlargement of thyroid gland. It has a high prevalence in adult population in endemic areas where iodized salt is not part of the regular diet. Aim: We report the clinical profile of giant goiters seen in a tertiary hospital in Northwestern Nigeria. Methods: A prospective study of all surgically operated cases of goiter carried out in a tertiary health hospital in Northwestern Nigeria, over a period of 6 years between January 2011 and December 2016. Bio data, duration of goiter, symptoms, geographical location, thyroid function tests, radiological reports and treatment were recorded and analyzed. Results: Ninety-Seven patients were operated for goitre during the study period. Out of these 19 (19.6%) were giant goitres weighing between 900g-3200g. There were 13 (68.4%) females and 6 (31.6%) males with M: F ratio of 1:2.2. Age range was between 39 – 71 years with a mean age of 53.2 years. Prevalence was high in the 41-60 year age group. Duration of goiter in 13 (68.4%) of patients was between 11-20years. Retrosternal extension was observed in 7 (36.8%) patients. Tracheal deviation was the most common risk factor for respiratory complication in all the patients followed by tracheomalacia in 8(42.1%). Postoperative temporary Tracheostomy was carried out in 4(21.1%) of patients. Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury occurred in 2(10.5%). No mortality was recorded. Conclusion: Respiratory complications are commonly associated with giant goiters, a pathology that is entirely preventive if diagnosed and managed at an early stage.