Why do our ears pop on airplanes?
Short answer
Air pressure in the cabin changes as a plane climbs and descends. The air in the middle ear may not adjust just as quickly, so the pressure on the two sides of the eardrum can differ. That difference can make an ear feel blocked.
The 30-second answer
The eardrum is a thin layer that separates the ear canal from a small space deeper inside the ear. That space, called the middle ear, contains air. A narrow passage called the Eustachian tube connects it to the back of the nose and throat. When the tube opens, air can move in or out and bring the pressure on both sides of the eardrum closer together. If the pressure takes time to adjust, sounds may seem muffled and the ear may feel full.
Pressure on both sides of the eardrum
The ear canal is connected to the cabin air. On the other side of the eardrum is the middle ear. Air pressure is the push of the air around us. If the air pushes differently on the two sides of the eardrum, the eardrum can move and the ear may feel uncomfortable.
How the Eustachian tube helps
The Eustachian tube is a small passage between the middle ear and the back of the nose and throat. It is usually closed, but it can open briefly when you swallow, yawn, or chew. Air then moves through it, helping the pressure on both sides of the eardrum stay similar.
What happens as the plane descends?
Cabin pressure moves lower as the plane climbs and higher as it descends. During a climb, some air can move out of the middle ear when the Eustachian tube opens. During a descent, air needs to move back into the middle ear. If the tube does not open right away, a pressure difference can remain. This is often most noticeable as the plane comes down to land, and may cause a blocked feeling or pain.
A cold or a blocked nose can make it harder for air to pass through the tube. That can make the pressure change more noticeable for some people.
Why can the ear make a popping sound?
A pop or click can happen when the Eustachian tube opens and air moves through it. The sound does not by itself mean that the eardrum has burst; it can happen as the pressure on both sides becomes more equal.
What may help?
Swallowing, yawning, sipping water, or chewing gum may help the tube open and reduce the pressure difference. If you have strong ear pain or trouble hearing that continues after the flight, contact a health professional.