Switching the functions with an ear while talking

[GTriderXC]

Today a funny thing happened while I was talking on the phone. My ear perfectly opened the notification panel and turned the flight mode on:-)
I wonder if it was possible so that the phone would recognize an ear and wouldn't allow it to tap the screen. I think Android turns the display off while talking as we hold the phone close to our head and not only while using a telephone but also skyping or using a voip client.