The Use of Tympanometry to Detect Aerotitis Media in Hypobaric Chamber Operations
Abstract
Diagnosis and quantification of aerotitis media were performed using a modified commercially-available tympanometer under hypobaric conditions. Thirty-one subjects (22 males, 9 females), 22 to 43 years of age, were tested in each ear with the tympanometer prior to and after exposure, sequentially at the barometric pressure plateaus of 706, 656, 609, 586, 564 and 522 Torr, and following an induced ear block during a one-minute descent from 522 to 586 Torr. Each subject was examined once, either singularly or in pairs during a 90 min exposure. Aerotitis media was detected at simulated altitude using tympanometry as evidenced by the difference between measurements made during induced ear blocks and those made prior to inducement, as well as following relief of the pressure differential with the Valsalva maneuver. There were no significant differences between pre - and post-induced aerotitis media values at 586 Torr, or between pre - and post-hypobaria. Our study suggests that tympanometry can be valuable tool in managing aerotitis media in the aeromedical environment. Keyword: Therapy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 31, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA209610
Entities
People
- Allen Cymerman
- James A. Devine
- Paul B. Rock
- Vincent A. Forte Jr.
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine