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Eustachian tubes
When you yawn or swallow, the eustachian tubes open briefly and make the air pressure equal inside and outside the ears.
The eustachian tubes drain fluid from the ears. But if a tube can't open, fluid can get trapped in the middle ear. This creates pressure that can cause ear pain.
Current as of: May 4, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Susan C. Kim MD - Pediatrics & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
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