When is ear blockage most likely to occur?
A
Upon descent and is aggravated by upper respiratory infection.✓ Correct Answer
B
During initial climb-out as expanding air in the middle ear pushes the eustachian tube open.
C
During cruise flight as the pressure between the middle ear and aircraft cabin equalizes.
Explanation
During climb the expanding air in the middle ear escapes easily through the eustachian tube, but during descent air must work its way back in; if the tube is swollen, as with a cold or upper respiratory infection, the ear blocks. That is why ear block is most likely on descent (PHAK Chapter 17).
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