[Screening of tube permeability disorders in applicant student-pilots]

The author makes a comparative study of the Eustachian tubal function tested by tympanometry and by stimulated descents in a decompression chamber of applicant pilots. The tympanometry measures only the middle ear pressure and the compliance of the eardrum. There is no exact correlation between the middle ear pressure and the ventilatory function of the Eustachian tube as given by the decompression chamber test. Two third of the candidates with a negative middle ear pressure who undergo simulated altitude exposure in a decompression chamber exhibit barotrauma of the middle ear. On the other hand one third of the patients with a normal ear pressure exhibit barotrauma. The best stress test for Eustachian tube function remains the altitude chamber flight and can not be replaced by the tympanometry.