Why is it water only enters the ear sometimes?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the phenomenon of water entering the ear while submerged, exploring the conditions under which this occurs and the factors influencing it. The scope includes anatomical considerations and personal experiences related to swimming or diving.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions why water does not always enter the ear when submerged in a pool.
  • Some participants suggest that ear wax may play a role in preventing water from entering the ear.
  • Another participant explains that the presence of atmospheric gases in the outer ear canal must be considered, as these gases need to exit for water to enter.
  • This participant also notes that descending with one ear down may prevent water from entering that ear due to gas pressure, while the other ear may allow water to flood in more easily.
  • It is mentioned that individual differences in ear canal structure and descent orientation can lead to varying experiences among different people.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the role of ear wax and the mechanics of gas pressure in the ear, indicating that multiple competing explanations exist without a clear consensus.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not resolve the specific mechanisms involved or the extent to which anatomical differences affect water entry into the ear.

physics2
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Say your in a pool and u put your whole body beneath it, why is it that the water won't always enter your ear?
 
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ear wax?
 
ear wax ?
 
Prior to dissension, the "open" part of the ears(the outer ear canal in this case) contain atmospheric gases.

In order for water to enter, the gases must exit.

If you descend "left ear down", the gas pressure will prevent water coming into your left ear(to a certain point), but your right ear(pointing upwards) will easily release it's gases and flood with water.

As different humans have different ear canal structures, and we descend in water in different ways, what happens to one person is not the same for another.
 

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