Your Ears on a Plane: Understanding Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Ever felt like your ears won’t "pop" on a flight no matter how hard you yawn or swallow? That’s your Eustachian tubes refusing to do their job.In this episode of Earvangelism, we unpack the mystery of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction — why it happens, how it affects pressure in your middle ear, and what you can do about it. Using the vivid metaphor of a bag of chips at cruising altitude, we explain how your middle ear handles pressure changes, and what happens when that system breaks down.You’ll hear:How the Eustachian tube connects your ear to your throat and why it's crucial for hearing comfortSafe (and not-so-safe!) pressure relief techniques, including the Otovent and a cautionary tale from one of my patientsA powerful speech-based muscle exercise inspired by Vinh Giang that can strengthen your Eustachian tube functionWhether you're a frequent flyer or just wondering why your ears feel "stuck," this episode tunes into the pressure behind your hearing — and what to do when your ears won’t play along.