14 Causes of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
7. Altitude Changes
If you have ever flown in a plane or driven up and down mountainous areas, you may notice your ears are popping or feel like they are full of pressure. The ears have fluid in them at all times and as altitude changes so do the pressure on this fluid. Air pressure also builds up in the ears and may not be able to escape on its own.
This can cause the eustachian tube to malfunction. Some people experience pain when their ears fill with pressure and others simply feel a bit of discomfort. Some people able to prevent eustachian dysfunction caused by altitude changes by wearing earplugs when they fly or travel. Chewing gum can also help. Everyone reacts to altitude changes different and some people may not experience any ear problems at all with the changes. Once the altitude is no longer changes, the ears should be able to calm down and any pain and pressure should subside pretty quickly.
