The body equalizes pressure between the outer and inner ear through the use of the Eustachian tubes, which can be opened by moving the jaw. Pressure changes can cause discomfort and popping, which can be relieved by yawning, chewing, or using a teething toy. Colds and sinus infections can also cause ear popping.
The ears open to equalize the pressure between the outer ear and the inner ear. Unequal pressure can potentially cause damage to the ear, along with general discomfort, so ear popping is the body’s way of resolving the pressure difference before it becomes a problem. Ears can pop during radical changes in pressure, such as deep diving or climbing to altitude, and popping can also occur when people have colds and sinus infections.
Unequal pressure is caused by the presence of a barrier between the inner ear and the outside world. This barrier, the eardrum, is essential to the sense of hearing. However, it can create a situation where the pressure on both sides of the eardrum is different. To equalize pressure, the body can relieve or increase pressure with the use of the Eustachian tubes, structures that run from the ears to the throat. Normally, these tubes are closed, but they open when the jaw moves, aiding in drainage and pressure equalization for the ears.
When pressure changes occur on the outside of the ear, the eardrum becomes tense, leaning outward or inward, whichever side is feeling more pressure. When the owner of the ear moves the jaw, the Eustachian tubes, allowing the pressure to equalize and creating a small noise as the ears pop. Often, the outbreak is accompanied by a sense of relief, as the pain caused by the increased pressure is resolved.
Colds can cause ears to pop because mucus secretions block the Eustachian tubes, making it difficult for pressure to normalize. When someone with a cold blows their nose, clearing the sinuses of mucus, the Eustachian tubes can open so that the pressure normalizes and the ears pop. Incidentally, it’s a very bad idea to pinch your nose stuffy and blow hard to pop your ears if they’re uncomfortable, because this can burst the mucus in your Eustachian tubes, causing an infection in your ear.
In case pressure differences cause discomfort, there are a few ways to encourage your ears to pop. Sometimes, yawning is enough, but opening your jaw and moving it can also open your Eustachian tubes. Some people like to chew something like gum, using jaw movement to pop their ears. For babies and toddlers who have trouble understanding the source of the uncomfortable sensation, using a baby toy designed for teething to encourage the baby to move his or her jaw can help relieve the pressure.
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