International Licensing Examination (ILE) Practice Test

What is often the cause of fluid collecting in the middle ear after a significant pressure change?

1. Stapedectomy

2. Barotrauma

3. Meniere's disease

4. Otosclerosis

The correct answer is: Barotrauma

Fluid accumulation in the middle ear after a significant pressure change is predominantly caused by barotrauma. This condition occurs when there is a difference in pressure between the external environment and the middle ear, which can occur during activities such as flying, diving, or in response to loud noises or rapid altitude changes. When the Eustachian tube fails to equalize the pressure, it can lead to negative pressure in the middle ear, resulting in fluid being drawn into the area from surrounding tissues. Barotrauma can lead to complications such as ear pain, discomfort, and potential hearing issues if the pressure imbalance persists or if there is significant fluid build-up. The other conditions listed, while related to ear health, are typically not directly linked to fluid collection resulting from sudden pressure changes. For example, stapedectomy involves surgical intervention for hearing loss and does not directly relate to pressure changes. Meniere's disease is characterized by episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, and hearing loss, but its causes are mostly related to abnormal fluid regulation in the inner ear rather than the middle ear due to pressure changes. Otosclerosis refers to bone growth in the ear that can affect hearing but is unrelated to the acute pressure changes that contribute to fluid build-up in the middle