Question

If you experience pain in your ears during descent, what could be the possible cause?

1) Ear infection
2) Changes in air pressure
3) Allergic reaction
4) None of the above

Answer 1

Experiencing pain in the ears during descent can be caused by changes in air pressure. The pain is due to unequal pressure inside and outside the ear. The Eustachian tube helps equalize the pressure, but it may not adjust quickly enough during descent.

Step-by-step explanation:

Experiencing pain in the ears during descent can be caused by changes in air pressure. When you descend, such as when flying in an airplane or diving underwater, the pressure in the environment increases. This can cause discomfort or pain in the ears due to unequal pressure inside and outside the ear.

When the pressure outside the ear changes, it can affect the eardrum, which separates the outer ear from the middle ear. The middle ear is an air-filled space connected to the back of the throat by the Eustachian tube. The Eustachian tube helps equalize the pressure on both sides of the eardrum. However, during descent, the change in pressure may occur too quickly for the Eustachian tube to adjust, causing discomfort or pain.