Question:

I`ve noticed that I can`t hear just while yawning. Not total deafness, just that sounds seem further away or weaker. Does this have something to do with the opening of the eustachian tube that happens during yawning? I read somewhere that sound goes more easily out the eustachian tube (when open) than into the inner ear, but this seems unlikely to me…

Or is it something completely unrelated to the eustachian tube?

Answer:

You are correct. The phenomenon you describe is due to eustachian tube opening/closing with yawning. A natural phenomenon.

For more information:

Go to the Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders health topic.