Effects of different body positions on the Eustachian tube function in the selection of airmen.

: The Eustachian tube function of 52 applicants accepted for flight training had earlier been comprehensively tested during simulated flights in a pressure chamber in the sitting position. Despite the fact that all were otologically healthy, the wide range of pressure-equilibrating capacity in the sitting position was even more pronounced when they were rested in recumbency, and in every type of test the pressure-equilibrating capacity was reduced. For instance, 17% of the recumbent subjects could not equilibrate at all during simulated descent as compared to 8% in the sitting position; 81% of the ears were Toynbee positive in the sitting position and only 69% in recumbency. The advantages of the recumbent compared to the seated test position are discussed.