Flight Instructor – Instrument Rating Powered-Lift › II. Technical Subject Areas › Task A. Human Factors

PI.II.A.K1c

Knowledge

Symptoms, recognition, causes, effects, and corrective actions associated with aeromedical and physiological issues, including:

Middle ear and sinus problems

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Get a short, cited explanation of this element written from the FAA handbooks: the core idea, the numbers that matter, common test traps, and a quick self-check.

From the FAA library

Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge p. 17-5
Chapter 17: Aeromedical Factors › Treatment of Hypoxia › Middle Ear and Sinus Problems
Middle Ear and Sinus Problems During climbs and descents, the free gas formerly present in various body cavities expands due to a difference between the pressure of the air outside the body and that of the air inside the body ... cavity and pain is experienced. Trapped gas expansion accounts for ear pain and sinus pain, as well as a temporary reduction in the ability to hear. The middle ear is a small cavity located in the bone of the skull…
Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge p. 17-2
Chapter 17: Aeromedical Factors › Obtaining a Medical Certificate
inflight emergencies. Some important medical factors that a pilot should be aware of include hypoxia, hyperventilation, middle ear and sinus problems, spatial disorientation, motion sickness, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, stress and fatigue, dehydration, and heatstroke. Other subjects include the effects…
Aeronautical Information Manual p. 8-1-4
Chapter 8. Medical Facts for Pilots › Section 1. Fitness for Flight › 8-1-2. Effects of Altitude
impossible. The problem is commonly referred to as an “ear block.” 3. An ear block produces severe ear pain and loss of hearing that can last from several hours to several days. Rupture of the ear drum can occur ... flight or after landing. Fluid can accumulate in the middle ear and become infected. 4. An ear block is prevented by not flying with an upper respiratory infection or nasal allergic condition. Adequate protection is usually not provided by decongestant…