I need some info about ears and elevation...?!

I need some info about ears and elevation...?

OK, it seems like every time I go anywhere that requires a change of elevation, even if it's just a tiny hill, my ears really hurt until they pop. Or I get a bad headache. Do I just have sensitive eardrums? Why does this happen to me? What can I do to help it? If anyone here has any helpful tips or explanations, it would be greatly appriciated.

I have the same problem. It comes from having a narrow Eustachian Tube. The Eustachian Tube connects the inner ear to the sinuses and allows the air pressure in the inner ear to equalize with the outside air pressure.

Yawning helps open the Eustachian Tube and will help with the pressure, as will chewing gum or sucking on a hard candy.

However, if you have really bad issues with equalizing (like I do) it helps to take a Sudafed or other sinus medication before flying or traveling. The sinus medications shrink the mucus membranes in the sinuses and the Eustachian Tube helping to open the air passage. When I saw the doctor about my condition he prescribed Flonase, which I also use.