Why do your ears pop when changing altitudes?

Question

When I go up in the mountains, my ears pop and I know it is from the changing altitudes. But why do they do that?

Answer 1

During a commercial airline flight, a Navy pilot was seated next to a

young mother with a baby in her arms. When her baby began crying during

the descent for landing, the mother began nursing her infant as

discreetly as possible. The pilot pretended not to notice and, upon

debarking, he gallantly offered his assistance to help with the various

baby-related articles. When the young mother expressed her gratitude,

the pilot responded, 'Gosh, that's a good looking baby...and he sure was hungry!'

Somewhat embarrassed, the mother explained that her pediatrician said

breast-feeding would help alleviate the pressure in the baby's ears.

The Navy pilot sadly shook his head, and in true pilot fashion exclaimed...'And all these years I've been chewing gum.'

Answer 2

It because of the change in pressure, It can also happen as you are desending or going scuba diving. Therefore you need to equalise the air in your ears with the air outside.

Answer 3

The first repsonse was correct.

Always chew gum to make the pressure in your head release faster. And if you have sinus problems, perhaps wait until your all cleared up to take a trolly or cable car up a mountain or other slow means of travel. Failure to do so will cause you to feel a mass amount of pain! Like your head is going to explode.

Answer 4

It is due to the pressure change.  It is basically releasing pressure from inside your head to match the pressure around you.