Ears popping in car

[Saga]

Question that's been bothering me for a while: I leased a 2010 Mazda 3i last year and have loved it so far, been a great car, gets fantastic mileage etc. Only thing I noticed that really annoys me is when driving in it, typically on the highway or at speeds exceeding 40 mph, my ears will pop. It's not too dissimilar from being in an airplane or driving up somewhere with high elevation. I've never had this issue with driving in a car, is it something that newer Mazda models suffer from? I don't know much about cars, so any help would be appreciated.

[Sylvrdragon]

Are there a lot of hills in the area you live in? Ears popping has to do with difference in pressure, usually associated with rapid change in elevation, but it can happen when going up or down large hills in a car the same as when elevating or descending in a plane.

I don't really see why it would happen other than that. The pressure in your car should be fairly constant.

Edit:

Actually, if your car is mostly plastic, then the pressure from the air going around as your speed increases might be enough to compact the car slightly. If your car is air-tight, then it will result is a pretty decent increase in pressure that could definitely cause your ears to pop. Try cracking a window or loosening a seal around one or more of your doors to allow for a release of that pressure.

[miokomioko]

I think it would be obvious to him if it were actual altitude causing the popping (as he mentioned). With his description, there could be some sort of airflow anomaly increasing the pressure in the cabin of the vehicle at higher speeds.

I have never experienced what he describes... only that really shitty air buffeting effect that hurts your ears if your windows are at that perfect open/closed ratio/arrangement at high speeds.

[Chun Liroy]

Are the windows open or closed?

[arus2001]

Assuming you're driving with the air vents closed off with winter creeping up, too. Maybe try cracking them a little?

[Mazmaz]

http://weknowmemes.com/wp-content/up...ng-me-face.png

[Saga]

Was happening a lot during the summer and still happening now so I'm not sure it's seasonal. It happens when driving with the windows closed, too. I have cracked a window before and found my ears almost instantly popped, pretty sure that was on the highway, so I'll give that a shot too. I usually have my air on about 2 (out of a 4 setting), sometimes 3 with the heat on if it's bitterly cold outside. Cleveland isn't too hilly so it probably isn't the terrain. I do have a lot of shit on my floor and in my truck I need to clean out, any chance that's blocking air from escaping the car?

Also the air's usually kept on A/C and set for what I think is recirculation, not sure if that has anything to do with it.

[*Shinzon*]

I guess if your ears are really sensitive the problem might just be related to the way pressure is building in the car. Drive with the vents open or crack a back window if its really bad so the pressure never builds.

[Airenn]

You have a tumor. Get to da hospitah

[guartz]

there is a procedure some doctors can do that instantly heals vertigo... somebody about rolling over while upside down, or some shit.

[Celestialstrife]

I usually have this issue too, but really only if someone is opening and closing the windows on the interstate. I just do my best to pop my ears before driving anywhere.

[Cantih]

Have you tried hitting yourself with a water bottle?

[Kerberoz]

Chew gum.

[Brill Weave]

Chew gum.

This.

[kim]

Did you ever fix this problem?
I have the same issue.

[Senji]

Missed this thread the first time around...

But every time I think everyone here is normal ish and not a total weeboo hypochondriac shut in; these pop up and 3/4 program they are a herbivore.

[kuronosan]

Did you ever fix this problem?
I have the same issue.

Did you come from a Google search or something? That was a 4-year Necro.

Typically this is a sinus or equilibrium issue. When your ears pop it's because the pressure inside your sinuses doesn't equal the pressure outside.

[Brill Weave]

What the fuck...