Answer:
The air pressure in the ears increases
The volume of air in the ears increases
The change in volume causes discomfort
It takes time for the ears to dispell excess air past the ear drum.
Explanation:
As the plane engages in a steep incline into the atmosphere, the outside atmospheric pressure decreases with altitude. The air pressure in the ear, therefore, become greater than atmospheric pressure. The air volume in the ear therefore grows and pushes on the ear causing discomfort. As the air in the cabin pressurizes the discomfort eases away as pressure equalization is restored relative to the ear.
