Question

When an aeroplane takes off, some occupants often feel pain in the region of ears. This is because of
(A) Rapid movement of fluid in semicircular canals
(B) Blockage of Eustachian tubes
(C) Rapid movements of otoliths in macula region of utricle and saccule
(D) Increased amplitude of the vibrating tympanum due to very low sound produced by the jet engines.

Answer 1

Hint: While travelling in the airplane the ear experiences the stress on the eardrum which occurs when the air pressure in the middle ear and the pressure outside in the environment becomes out of balance.

Complete step by step solution:
The middle ear cavity is filled with the fluid. When the takeoff of the flight the air pressure of the surrounding air increases while the air pressure in the ear cavities decreases. With the increase in pressure, it causes the difference in the air to enter the middle ear through the eustachian tube leaving the tubes blocked. The inward push of the eardrum leads to the severe pain in the blocked Eustachian tubes.
Hence, from the given multiple choices the option B is the correct answer.

Additional Information:
The Eustachian tube is the narrow passage leading from the pharynx to the cavity of the middle ear.

Note:
Do experience the airplane ear when an airplane which is climbing during the takeoff or when it is landing. Whenever there is the continual and increased pressure on the eardrum and therefore it can rupture. This happens because as you go higher there is less atmosphere weighing down on the body.