The eustachian (say “you-STAY-shee-un”) tubes run between the inside of the ears and the throat. They keep air pressure stable in the ears. If your eustachian tubes become blocked, the air pressure in your ears changes. The fluids from a cold can clog eustachian tubes, causing pain in the ears. A quick change in air pressure can cause eustachian tubes to close up. This might happen when an airplane changes altitude or when a scuba diver goes up or down underwater.

Eustachian tube problems often clear up on their own or after antibiotic treatment. If your tubes continue to be blocked, you may need surgery.