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 comfort Safe (and not-so-safe!) pressure relief techniques, including the Otovent and a cautionary tale from one of my patients A powerful speech-based muscle exercise inspired by Vinh Giang that can strengthen your Eustachian tube function Whether 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.