Why do your ears pop?
Your ears pop when air pressure changes, such as in an airplane, and a small tube called the Eustachian tube opens to balance the pressure on both sides of your eardrum.
The middle ear is an air-filled space behind the eardrum. It is connected to the back of the throat by the Eustachian tube, which is usually closed. When the outside air pressure changes quickly, the pressure difference pushes or pulls on the eardrum, causing a feeling of fullness or muffled hearing.
Swallowing, yawning or chewing opens the Eustachian tube, letting air move in or out to equalize the pressure. The popping sound is the eardrum moving back into its normal position. This often happens during takeoff and landing on flights, driving through mountains or riding fast elevators.
Tips and problems
Chewing gum, sucking on sweets or gently blowing with your nose pinched and mouth closed can help. Babies can be helped by feeding during takeoff and landing. Colds and allergies can block the tubes, making it harder for ears to pop and causing pain.
Did You Know?
Scuba divers must equalize their ear pressure often as they descend, because water pressure rises quickly with depth.
This answer is general information, not medical advice. For a personal health question, talk to a doctor.