Most of us consider yawning as just a sign of sleep or fatigue. However, according to Dr. Karan Rajan, a UK surgeon and health content creator, if you hear sounds more clearly after yawning, it is not an illusion. There is a whole science behind this phenomenon.
What happens inside the ear when you yawn?
Dr. Karan Rajan explains that when we yawn, the Eustachian tube inside our ear opens. This tube connects the middle ear to the throat and is normally closed. While yawning, the jaw stretches, due to which this tube opens; Due to this, the air pressure inside the ear becomes equal to the atmospheric pressure outside.
Why are voices heard more clearly?
When the pressure inside the ear is balanced, the eardrum (tympanic membrane) is able to vibrate more effectively. The direct result of this is that sounds are heard clearer and louder. This is the reason why you feel a difference in your hearing ability after yawning.
Muscles also play an important role
When yawning, two small muscles inside the ear—*tensor tympani* and *stapidius*—are activated. These muscles slow down the sound for some time; However, as these relax, your hearing ability feels enhanced.
A “popping” sensation similar to that of flying on an airplane
If you’ve ever flown by plane, you’ve probably experienced a “popping” sensation in your ears. Yawning also works in a similar way, because in both situations the pressure in the ear is balanced. The only difference is that while yawning, the blood flow to the brain also increases, due to which the sensitivity of hearing increases even more for some time.
What is “Acoustic Defense Reflex”?
According to Dr. Karan Rajan, yawning can also act as a kind of “acoustic defense reflex”. In other words, it helps protect the ears from sounds coming from inside the body—such as the sound of teeth grinding or one’s own voice. When might this be a sign of a problem?
If you feel the need to yawn frequently to clear your ears—or if one ear gets cleared but not the other—don’t ignore it. This could be a sign of Eustachian tube dysfunction—a condition often caused by allergies, sinus problems, or acid reflux. In such cases, it is very important to get checked by an ENT specialist.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is only intended to raise awareness about diseases and health-related issues. It is not a substitute for qualified medical advice. Readers are strictly advised not to try any medicine, treatment or home remedy on their own; Instead, they should always consult a medical expert or doctor in the relevant field.
