ear popping

[Arbl]

over the last 8 years of flying four times each year, ive learned that you can force them to pop. pinching your nose and closing your mouth and blowing is one way. the simple way, is to ask for a coffee cup with a hot towel at the bottom. the steam will loosen up the passages there and your ears will pop!

[Broomstick]

ive learned that you can force them to pop. pinching your nose and closing your mouth and blowing is one way.
That's called the Valsalva maneuver.

[bibliophage]

Welcome to the SDMB, Arbl.

A link to the column you're commenting on is appreciated. Providing one can be as simple as pasting the URL into your post, being sure to leave a blank space on either side of it. Like so: http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/71/whats-going-on-when-your-ears-pop