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Otitis Media with Effusion in Aircrew Members
Aerospace Medicine and Human Performance
|April 27, 2019
Summary
Otitis media with effusion affects nearly 10% of aircrew. This middle ear condition typically resolves within approximately 8 days, but requires medical clearance before returning to flight duties.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Aerospace Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Middle-ear barotrauma is a frequent complaint among airline passengers and crew.
- Ear discomfort affects 20-50% of passengers during or after flights.
- Understanding otitis media with effusion prevalence in aircrew is crucial for aviation safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of otitis media with effusion in aviation personnel.
- To document the typical time to resolution for this condition in aircrew.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 1607 aircrew undergoing annual medical examinations.
- Diagnosis of otitis media with effusion confirmed via immittance testing.
- Inclusion criteria: pilots, copilots, and flight attendants with confirmed otitis media with effusion.
Main Results:
- Otitis media with effusion was diagnosed in 155 (9.65%) of aircrew members.
- The majority of affected individuals were flight attendants (81.9%).
- The average time for complete resolution of otitis media was 8.23 days.
Conclusions:
- Otolaryngologists must consider middle ear gas expansion effects at altitude.
- Aircrew should only return to flying duties after complete resolution of otitis media with effusion, confirmed by testing.
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