Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Practice Test

True or False: A patient with a cleft palate can likely equalize their middle ear.

1. True

2. False

3. It varies by individual

4. Only with assistance

The correct answer is: False

A patient with a cleft palate typically faces challenges with equalizing their middle ear pressure. The reason for this difficulty is related to the anatomy and function of the eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. In individuals with cleft palate, the structural abnormalities can impede the normal function of this tube, making it more challenging for them to equalize pressure in the middle ear. This pressure equalization is crucial during activities such as flying or diving, where changes in external pressure occur rapidly. The inability to effectively equalize can lead to discomfort, pain, or even serious complications like barotrauma. Therefore, it is generally accurate to say that a patient with a cleft palate cannot rely on their own ability to equalize their middle ear pressure effectively, which supports the idea that the statement is false. While some individuals with a cleft palate may develop compensatory mechanisms or strategies to help with pressure equalization, it is not a reliable or common outcome, which is why the statement is best categorized as false.