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Taking off in an airplane always means one thing for me — the unpleasant feeling of my ears popping.

If you’ve ever chewed gum to keep the pressure in your ears from going haywire, you’re actually enlisting the help of a pipe that runs between your ear and the back of your throat called the Eustachian tube.

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The Eustachian tube is constantly working to keep your ears feeling at ease. It’s called into action to maintain steady pressure, whether you’re swallowing a sip of coffee or riding up to the 40th floor in an elevator.

In the latest episode of “Boddities,” I find out what’s really going on when our ears pop, and what can help get them back to normal.

Watch other “Boddities” episodes:

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Related: Watch: Episode 3: Why doesn’t your stomach digest itself?

Related: Watch: Episode 2: Why does it hurt to get water up your nose?

Related: Watch: Episode 1: Does drinking soda help settle an upset stomach?