Why do your ears pop when you ride up or down in an elevator in a tall bulidiing?

Ears pop during elevator rides due to changes in air pressure. As you ascend or descend, the pressure outside your ears changes more rapidly than the pressure inside, causing a pressure imbalance. The Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the throat, open to equalize this pressure, resulting in the popping sensation. This process helps maintain balance and proper hearing function.