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. Subjects were-22 males and 9 females, 22-43 years of age who 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 mm Hg, and following an induced ear block during a 1-min descent from 522 to 586 mm Hg. Each Subject was examined once either alone or in pairs during a 90-min exposure. Aerotitis media was detected using tympanometry at simulated altitude as indicated by the difference between measurements made prior to-and during induced ear blocks as well as following relief of the pressure differential With a Valsalva maneuver. There were no significant differences between pre-and post- hypobaria. Our study suggests that tympanometry can be a valuable tool in managing aerotitis media in the aeromedical environment. Aerotitis media, Eustachian tubes, Hypobaria.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 31, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA248963
Entities
People
- A. Cymerman
- J. A. Devine
- P. B. Rock
- V. A. Forte Jr.
Organizations
- United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine