Eustachian tubes, which are also sometimes known as the auditory or pharyngotympanic tubes, are small cartilage and bone canals. The canals connect the middle ear, which is an air-filled cavity in the internal structure of the ear, and the nasopharynx, the lower nasal cavity behind the mouth. This connection allows air movement into and out of the ear, maintaining the pressure inside the ear canal at the external atmospheric pressure.
Ear Pressure and Hearing
The function of the ear is to hear by converting sound waves to electrical impulses. Sound waves travel through the air and into the ear canal, where they proceed through the middle ear to vibrate the eardrum on the far end. The sound waves are then transmitted to the bones and structures of the inner ear, which are then responsible for transmitting the signals to the brain. Maintaining atmospheric pressure within the middle ear allows the sound waves to proceed unchanged.
Eustachian Tubes and Altitude
When the atmospheric pressure changes, there is sometimes a sensation in the ear as the pressure within the Eustachian tubes adjusts. When driving up a mountain or flying in an airplane, a popping sensation is often felt, hearing is impaired for a short period of time, or a popping sound is heard as the pressure adjusts. Swallowing, chewing, or yawning pulls on the neck muscles and can help the Eustachian tubes open, releasing the pressure in the ears.
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