Investigation on the aero-otitis media and related factors in civil aviation aircrews
10.3760/cma.j.cn113854-20230802-00076
- VernacularTitle:民航空勤人员航空性中耳炎相关情况调查
- Author:
Weixiong YE
1
;
Fengjie MA
;
Lin LIU
Author Information
1. 中国南方航空公司航空卫生中心耳鼻喉科，广州 510405
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Otitis media;
Eustachian tube;
Wounds and injuries;
Aircrews
- From:
Chinese Journal of Aerospace Medicine
2024;35(2):120-124
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To develop corresponding aviation otitis media intervention measures by investigating and analyzing the related factors in civil aviation aircrews.Methods:A total of 4 789 civil aviation aircrews were selected as the subjects of observation. The incidence of aviation otitis media among civil aviation aircrew was evaluated by 7-items Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire, and the possible influencing factors were investigated and statistically analyzed.Results:All 4 789 survey questionnaires were validate. In this survey, the total flying hours was mainly 1 000-5 000 h, and the main aircraft was A320. There were 613 out of 4 789 civil aviation aircrews had suffered from aviation otitis media/secretory otitis media, accounting for 12.80%. In which 91.96% had no ear discharge or watery discharge, 70.81% had not experienced rhinitis/sinusitis, and more than 90% had no tonsil hypertrophy, no thin or calcified tympanic membrane, no history of surgery for the eustachian tube or middle ear cavity, and no ear tightness or occasional ear tightness that resolves spontaneously. The severity of ear tightness was mainly distributed in 0-3 points range, accounting for 88.70%. In which 43.62% were with no ear tightness and 45.10% were with mild ear tightness. Among the 4 789 civil aviation aircrews, the severity of ear tightness of left and right ears had the highest incidence rate of 1 point, followed by 2 points, and the incidence rate of 3-7 points was relatively low. The incidence rate of 1-2 points was significantly higher than that of 3-7 points, and the difference was significant (( χ2=2 135.68-7 623.25, P=0.001-0.004). Conclusions:Most of the Chinese civil aviation aircrews have good eustachian tube function, but there are still a few cases of aviation otitis media. Regular inspections and timely and effective interventions are crucial for protecting the eustachian tube function and reducing the incidence of aviation otitis media in civil aviation aircrews.
