Effects of different body positions on the Eustachian tube function in the selection of airmen

The Eustachian tube function of 52 applicants accepted for flight training had earlier been comprehensively tested during simulated flights in a pressure chamber in the sitting position. Despite the fact that all were otologically healthy, the wide range of pressure-equilibrating capacity in the sitting position was even more pronounced when they were rested in recumbency, and in every type of test the pressure-equilibrating capacity was reduced. For instance, 17% of the recumbent subjects could not equilibrate at all during simulated descent as compared to 8% in the sitting position; 81% of the ears were Toynbee positive in the sitting position and only 69% in recumbency. The advantages of the recumbent compared to the seated test position are discussed.