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Why Do Your Ears Pop at High Altitudes?

During an airplane ride, ear popping is a familiar sensation. Your ears may also pop while hiking or visiting places that are high above sea level. Changes in pressure cause the ear popping sensation.

  1. Ear Pressure

    • The pressure in your ears normally equalizes to the air pressure at sea level, according to the website PhysLink. A tube known as the Eustachian tube helps regulate the pressure in the ear by opening slightly to relieve some pressure if air pressure outside the ear changes.

    Pressure Change

    • When entering areas of high altitude, the air pressure changes rapidly. Because of this quick change, the lower air pressure within your ear is trapped and your eardrum feels stress from the higher pressure against it and begins to push outward.

    Ways to Help

    • Yawning or swallowing opens up the Eustachian tube, which helps normalize the pressure within your ears. Chewing gum also opens the Eustachian tube.

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