How exactly does sucking on a sweet prevent ears "popping" on the plane?
Question #49131. Asked by gmackematix.
Last updated Dec 11 2016.
Agent_Beron
Answer has 3 votes
Agent_Beron
Answer has 3 votes.
In your ears there are these things called 'Eustachian Tubes' and their job is usually to keep the pressure in your ear equal to the air pressure outside. Sucking on a candy, yawning or chewing gum is a way of helping the eustachian tubes open and equalize the pressure in your ears when the air pressure around you changes suddenly.
Jul 06 2004, 11:59 PM
mibmob
Answer has 2 votes
mibmob 21 year member
1273 replies
Answer has 2 votes.
I used to think that you were supposed to stick them in your ears.
Jul 07 2004, 8:16 AM
timence
Answer has 7 votes
Currently Best Answer
timence 23 year member
123 replies
Answer has 7 votes.
Currently voted the best answer.
Here's a link that explains it very clearly. It is about pressure equalisation through the Eustachian Tubes. Apparently the swallowing is what does it (as opposed to sucking or chewing).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ear_clearing