Certified Transport Registered Nurse Certification Practice Exam

What is a common cause of "airplane ear" related to eustachian tube function?

1. Barometric pressure changes

2. Fluid in the ear

3. Narrowed eustachian tube

4. Hearing loss

The correct answer is: Narrowed eustachian tube

The common cause of "airplane ear" is related to the function of the eustachian tube and is primarily associated with barometric pressure changes. When an airplane ascends or descends, the rapid alteration in external air pressure affects the pressure within the middle ear. In a normal situation, the eustachian tube helps equalize this pressure by allowing air to enter or exit the middle ear. However, if the eustachian tube is narrowed or not functioning optimally, it can prevent proper pressure equalization, leading to discomfort and the sensation known as "airplane ear." When the eustachian tube is narrowed, it does not open efficiently during changes in altitude, causing a disparity between the pressure in the middle ear and the external environment. This pressure imbalance can result in the feeling of fullness, pain, or temporary hearing changes commonly experienced during flights. Fluid in the ear or hearing loss may contribute to eustachian tube dysfunction but are not primary causes of "airplane ear." Understanding the role of the eustachian tube in mediating pressure changes is crucial to grasping why its narrowing directly correlates with this common issue experienced during air travel.