Sinus inflammation is usually followed by inflammation of the nose cavity and upper part of the pharynx (nasopharynx). The nasopharynx connects both middle ear cavities through the Eustachian tubes. When the nasopharynx is inflamed, the swollen nasopharyngeal mucosa closes the Eustachian tubes’ openings into nasopharynx and stops the communication between the nasopharynx and middle ears. Because there is no communication with the nasopharynx, the air in the middle ears becomes trapped. This trapped air is absorbed after time and air pressure in the middle ears decreases. Decreased air pressure in the middle ear causes secretion of serous liquid from the middle ear's mucosa into the closed cavities of the middle ear. This liquid, present in middle ears, causes the feeling of “popped ears”. When the inflammation/infection in the sinuses and nasopharynx is cleared, the communication between the nasopharynx and middle ears will be re-established and the “popping” will disappear.

Sinus inflammation is usually followed by inflammation of the nose cavity and upper part of the pharynx (nasopharynx). The nasopharynx connects both middle ear cavities through the Eustachian tubes. When the nasopharynx is inflamed, the swollen nasopharyngeal mucosa closes the Eustachian tubes’ openings into nasopharynx and stops the communication between the nasopharynx and middle ears. Because there is no communication with the nasopharynx, the air in the middle ears becomes trapped. This trapped air is absorbed after time and air pressure in the middle ears decreases. Decreased air pressure in the middle ear causes secretion of serous liquid from the middle ear's mucosa into the closed cavities of the middle ear. This liquid, present in middle ears, causes the feeling of “popped ears”. When the inflammation/infection in the sinuses and nasopharynx is cleared, the communication between the nasopharynx and middle ears will be re-established and the “popping” will disappear.