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Why do we feel pain in the ears when we are at a great height from the earth's surface (eg: when we are sitting in a flying aeroplane)?
The uncomfortable ear pressure felt at high elevations is the result of unequal pressure between the middle ear, the eardrum and the inner ear. This ear pressure, known as barotrauma, can range from mildly annoying to extremely painful. Colds and sinus infections can increase the incidence of high-altitude ear pressure. Severe or untreated barotrauma can result in temporary hearing loss, vomiting and nosebleeds. Several simple remedies can help relieve high-elevation ear pressure.




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