why do your ears “pop” when you hold your nose and “blow”? What is “popping” and why does it hurt when sick?

Question

why do your ears “pop” when you hold your nose and “blow”? What is “popping” and why does it hurt when sick?

In: Biology

Answer 1

What you are describing is called the Valsalva Maneuver if you were wondering. There is even something called a Valsalva Device fitted inside space suits that allow astronauts do the maneuver when their suits are being pressurized.