Which term describes a middle ear injury caused by rapid ascent or descent in flight?

Which term describes a middle ear injury caused by rapid ascent or descent in flight?

• A. Barotitis media
• B. Middle ear barotrauma
• C. Otitis externa
• D. Eustachian tube dysfunction

Answer: (B)

Rapid changes in cabin pressure during ascent or descent push on the middle ear. The ear must equalize with the outside pressure through the Eustachian tube; when this tube can't vent properly, pressure builds in the middle ear and tissues stretch or are damaged. That injury is described as middle ear barotrauma. Barotitis media is another term for the same phenomenon, but the precise label for the injury itself is middle ear barotrauma. Otitis externa is an outer-ear infection and Eustachian tube dysfunction refers to the inability to equalize pressure rather than the injury itself, so they don’t describe the actual damage in the middle ear. Symptoms include ear fullness or pain, muffled hearing, and, in severe cases, tympanic membrane rupture. Prevention centers on helping the Eustachian tube equalize pressure—swallowing, yawning, chewing gum, performing a Valsalva maneuver, and avoiding flying when nasal or sinus congestion is present.

Rapid changes in cabin pressure during ascent or descent push on the middle ear. The ear must equalize with the outside pressure through the Eustachian tube; when this tube can't vent properly, pressure builds in the middle ear and tissues stretch or are damaged. That injury is described as middle ear barotrauma. Barotitis media is another term for the same phenomenon, but the precise label for the injury itself is middle ear barotrauma. Otitis externa is an outer-ear infection and Eustachian tube dysfunction refers to the inability to equalize pressure rather than the injury itself, so they don’t describe the actual damage in the middle ear. Symptoms include ear fullness or pain, muffled hearing, and, in severe cases, tympanic membrane rupture. Prevention centers on helping the Eustachian tube equalize pressure—swallowing, yawning, chewing gum, performing a Valsalva maneuver, and avoiding flying when nasal or sinus congestion is present.