Question

What part of the ear is responsible for equalising pressure?

• A. malleus
• B. eustachian tube
• C. incus
• D. stapes

Answer 1

The correct option is B eustachian tube

The air pressure in the middle ear is most often the same as the air pressure outside of the body. The eustachian tube is a connection between the middle ear and the back of the nose and upper throat.

Swallowing or yawning opens the eustachian tube and allows air to flow into or out of the middle ear. This helps equalize pressure on either side of the ear drum. If the eustachian tube is blocked, the air pressure in the middle ear is different than the pressure on the outside of the eardrum. This can cause discomfort or muffled hearing. The problem often occurs with altitude changes, such as flying, scuba diving, or driving in the mountains.

Malleus, incus and stapes are 3 small bones in the middle ear collectively called ear ossicles. They increase the efficiency of transmission of sound waves to the inner ear.