Why do ears pop on airplanes?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Pressure equalizes through tubes
Cabin air enters your ears — Wrong. Air doesn't enter your ears from outside. The pop involves pressure changes in your middle ear.
Pressure equalizes through tubes ✓ — Correct! As altitude changes, air pressure outside differs from inside your middle ear. The Eustachian tube opens to equalize pressure, causing a pop. Swallowing or yawning helps open this tube!
Altitude affects hearing — Wrong. Altitude doesn't directly affect hearing ability. The popping is about pressure equalization.