Final answer:
Experiencing pain in the ears during descent is usually caused by changes in air pressure. This pain can be eased by yawning, swallowing, or chewing gum, which help equalize pressure in the ears.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you experience pain in your ears during descent, it relates to the air pressure change. Whether on a plane or diving in water, pressure can affect your ears. At higher altitudes, due to less air above you, air pressure is decreased. Conversely, underwater, the pressure increases with depth, as you're affected by the weight of the water and the atmospheric pressure. This can cause discomfort in the ears, commonly referred to as 'ear popping' or pain due to these pressure changes. To alleviate the pain or discomfort, actions such as yawning, swallowing, or chewing gum can help equalize the ear pressure. When descending, the pressure on the outer ear decreases while the pressure on the inner ear remains constant, causing discomfort or pain. To alleviate this, you can try techniques like yawning, chewing gum, or swallowing to help equalize the pressure in your ears. If the pain persists or becomes severe, it is advisable to seek medical attention.