Why our ears pop when we ride in an airplane or when we drive to the mountains?

Answer 1

There is a little tube connecting the back of our nose with the middle ear cavity. This little tube (called the Eustachian tube) regulates air pressure in the middle ear to equal the changing outside air pressure.

The Eustachian tube normally rests closed but opens about 400 times per day to quickly regulate pressure differences (think of a water bottle indented until the cap is removed and "pop" the pressure is equalized).

When we drive through the mountains or fly in an airplane or Scuba dive, the pressure changes. The little tube opens (the "pop") and relieves the build up of negative pressure in the middle ear.

When we feel pressure building, we often will yawn, swallow, or do the Valsalva Maneuver to get our "ears to pop". When these things don't work, negative pressure builds and fluid can be pulled in from the surrounding tissue.

Ear pain, pressure, and hearing loss can result. Instant relief can be experienced when the Eustachian tube opens and relieves that built up pressure.

Hope that helps! It's really all about the little Eustachian tube doing its job!