Yawning: Why and What Could It Mean?

An ear protective mechanism: The yawn manages this satisfying ear pop by contracting and relaxing the tensor tympani and stapedius muscles, which opens the Eustachian tubes and aerates the tympanic cavity. This, it is argued, may be a defense mechanism to prevent ear damage.While it is true that yawning can equalize pressure between your inner ear and the outside atmospheric pressure by opening your Eustachian tube, it does not appear to be an evolutionary adaption to protect your ear. Other methods can also equalize pressure in your inner ear, like chewing gum and drinking.