Middle Ear Resonance Frequency in Pilots and Pilot Candidates

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Barotrauma is a frequent problem in aviation medicine. Eustachian tube dysfunction plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of barotrauma. Function of the Eustachian tube can be indirectly assessed by multifrequency tympanometry, which provides valuable information about the resistance and permeability of the middle ear in a wide frequency range. The aim of this study was to research whether multifrequency tympanometry could be used for assessing middle ear impairments in pilots.

METHODS: There were 140 pilots and pilot candidates between the ages of 20-55 with normal otoscopic examination who were evaluated by audiological test batteries. Body mass index values, flight hours, audiometric pure tone thresholds, tympanometry and multifrequency tympanometry test results were noted.

RESULTS: There was statistically significant decrease in the multifrequency tympanometry measurements of the left and right ears of the pilots with 200-3000 flight hours compared to pilot candidates, and similarly, the pilots with 3000-10,000 flight hours compared to pilot candidates.

DISCUSSION: Multifrequency tympanometry values changed between pilot candidates and pilots. However, the values of multifrequency tympanometry did not change due to flight hours. This test battery should not be used for follow up of pilots in the clinic.