Physiology and Pathophysiology of Air-Filled Ear Space and Eustachian Tube Function

Abstract

The function of the Eustachian tube under atmospheric pressure, on the grounds of our studies, is discussed as follows: (1) Criteria of natural valvular function of the auditory tube under a normal pressure environment. (2) Opening action of the Eustachian tube and mode of swallowing movement in comparison with soft palate movement. (3) High pressure environment and (opening action of) Eustachian tube. (4) Children undergoing tubing and their Eustachian tube function. (5) Ventilatory function of the Eustachian tube under normal pressure conditions. (6) Factors influencing changes in pressure in the tympanic cavity.

Alternobaric vertigo in sport SCUBA divers and the risk factors

“…8 The pressure required to achieve this varies from 20 to 100.cmH 2 O depending on the diver's body position, the most easy one being the head-up or ear-up position. 8,20 However, pressure of less than 10.cmH 2 O may be enough to achieve this with the Frenzel manoeuvre, in which the nose, mouth and glottis are closed and the elevated tongue can be used as a piston to compress the air trapped in the nasopharynx and force it up the eustachian tube. 8 The Frenzel manoeuvre does not have the disadvantage of a transitory pressure that may extend into the thorax, which is the case during the Valsalva manoeuvre.…”