Which factor is a cause of middle ear squeeze related to the Eustachian tube?

Which factor is a cause of middle ear squeeze related to the Eustachian tube?

• A. Ear wax
• B. Blocked Eustachian tube
• C. Tight wetsuit hood
• D. Ear plugs

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is how pressure in the middle ear is equalized with the outside environment. As you dive or experience rapid ambient pressure changes, the Eustachian tube must open to let air flow between the throat and the middle ear so the pressures match. If the Eustachian tube is blocked, air cannot pass, so the middle ear pressure lags behind the surrounding water pressure and a middle ear squeeze (barotrauma) can occur. That’s why a blocked Eustachian tube is the direct cause. Ear wax sits in the ear canal, not the Eustachian tube, so it doesn’t prevent middle-ear pressure equalization. A tight wetsuit hood or ear plugs affect the outer ear or safety, but they don’t interfere with the Eustachian tube’s ability to equalize pressure inside the middle ear.

The key idea here is how pressure in the middle ear is equalized with the outside environment. As you dive or experience rapid ambient pressure changes, the Eustachian tube must open to let air flow between the throat and the middle ear so the pressures match. If the Eustachian tube is blocked, air cannot pass, so the middle ear pressure lags behind the surrounding water pressure and a middle ear squeeze (barotrauma) can occur. That’s why a blocked Eustachian tube is the direct cause.

Ear wax sits in the ear canal, not the Eustachian tube, so it doesn’t prevent middle-ear pressure equalization. A tight wetsuit hood or ear plugs affect the outer ear or safety, but they don’t interfere with the Eustachian tube’s ability to equalize pressure inside the middle ear.