Question

How is negative pressure produced in the ear?

Answer 1

Negative pressure in the ear:

1. Negative pressure in the ear is the result of dysfunction of the eustachian tube (narrow passage from the pharynx to the middle ear responsible for maintaining equal pressure on each side of the eardrum)
2. Due to blockage in the eustachian tube it absorbs oxygen and carbon dioxide from the air found in the middle ear resulting in negative pressure.
3. Hence, the blockage of the eustachian tube can lead to pain while the descent of an airplane.
4. The inner lining of the middle ear (comprising of the hammer (malleus), anvil (incus), and stirrup (stapes) ) is a respiratory membrane, it is a small cavity, and the mastoid air cells present in it serve as an air reservoir that cushions the pressure change effect.
5. The middle ear also secretes different fluids if the negative pressure is not relieved and it lasts long which can produce a conductive loss.