Understanding Ear Pain in Car Tunnels: Causes and Solutions

  • Thread starter szubaidi
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In summary, the conversation discusses the experience of feeling pain in the ear while entering a tunnel by car. The pressure differential between the inside and outside of the head can cause the ears to "pop," but this should not be an issue inside a tunnel. The conversation also touches on the potential for echoes and sound levels to contribute to ear pain in tunnels. There are also mentions of how trains and cars can create pressure changes in tunnels, leading to discomfort for some individuals.
  • #1
szubaidi
6
0
tunnel and ear ?

Why feel pain in the ear when we entering a tunnel by car?
 
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  • #2
You shouldn't. :confused:
Some people experience a bit upon driving up a high hill or going in an aeroplane, because of the pressure differential between the inside and outside of the head. That's why ears 'pop'. The pressure shouldn't change from ambient inside a tunnel.
Could it just be that the echoes produce a painful level of sound?
 
  • #3
:cry:I am not understanding why tunnel is circular
 
  • #4
Danger said:
You shouldn't. :confused:
Some people experience a bit upon driving up a high hill or going in an aeroplane, because of the pressure differential between the inside and outside of the head. That's why ears 'pop'. The pressure shouldn't change from ambient inside a tunnel.

this isn't the case so much with a car and tunnel, where you better the hell expect the tunnel cross-section to be quite a bit bigger than the car cross-section in both width and height. but i remember when i lived in New Jersey and i would take the PATH train into NYC that there was a sort of compression wave that we experienced when the train just entered a long tunnel (went from being an elevated train in open air to being a subway in a tunnel not much bigger in cross-section than the train). especially if you were in the front car of the train.

because the air in the tunnel was mostly stationary before entering and the train is much slower than sound, the train acted like a plunger in a syringe and had to suddenly start pushing a column of air in front of it forward. that increased the pressure in the bubble just in front of the front car of the train and some of that increased pressure leaked into the front car.

but it doesn't explain it for the OP who is driving or riding in a car and going into a tunnel that one reasonably expects is a lot bigger than the car in cross-section.
 
  • #5
That's interesting about the train. I was unaware of that effect.
 
  • #6
The human ear can register extremely small pressure differences. There are a lot of people who can be very sensitive to this, especially if they have issues equalizing the pressure on from the inner portion.

I have been in places where the tunnels were relatively small and if you are going fast enough, cause a slight discomfort. Much like driving fast and suddenly rolling down a window in your car (except this situation is the exact opposite scenario).
 
  • #7
In europe trains have to be airtight because of this - when you enter a tunnel only 1m or so wider than the train at 150mph you better believe there is a pressure build-up.
 
  • #8
I can certainly understand it from the high-speed train perspective, and from a car one ala Fred's experience. I guess that I've never thought of something that tight being used for autos. My only experience with highway tunnels is going through the Rockies from Alberta to BC, and I've never noticed anything there. Of course, those are big tunnels.
 

1. What are some common causes of ear pain in car tunnels?

There are several potential causes of ear pain in car tunnels, including changes in air pressure, exposure to loud noises, and allergies. Additionally, if you have an underlying condition such as sinusitis or a middle ear infection, this can also contribute to ear pain in car tunnels.

2. How does air pressure affect ear pain in car tunnels?

When driving through a tunnel, the air pressure changes rapidly, causing a sensation of pressure in the ears. This can be uncomfortable and even painful for some individuals, especially if they have a cold or allergies that have already affected their ear pressure.

3. Can loud noises in car tunnels contribute to ear pain?

Yes, exposure to loud noises in car tunnels, such as from traffic or construction, can contribute to ear pain. This is because loud noises can cause damage to the delicate structures in the ear, leading to pain and discomfort. It is important to protect your ears from loud noises by wearing earplugs or turning down the volume on your car radio.

4. How can I prevent ear pain in car tunnels?

There are several ways to prevent ear pain in car tunnels, such as chewing gum or yawning to help equalize the pressure in your ears. You can also try using earplugs or lowering your car window slightly to allow for pressure equalization. If you have allergies, taking allergy medication before entering a car tunnel can also help alleviate ear pain.

5. When should I seek medical attention for ear pain in car tunnels?

If you experience severe or persistent ear pain in car tunnels, it is important to seek medical attention. This is especially true if you have a history of ear problems or if the pain is accompanied by other symptoms such as dizziness or difficulty hearing. A doctor can help determine the underlying cause of your ear pain and provide appropriate treatment.

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