The ears function because of mechanoreceptors. These are sense organs or cells that respond to mechanical stimuli like touch or sound. Mechanoreceptors are responsible for sensing the pressure in the atmosphere. That is why there is a tingling or ringing feeling in the air when the body is in higher altitudes. These cells are responsible for detecting mechanical stimuli (e.g. pressure, stretching, vibrations) that send signals to the brain to trigger the necessary responses to certain situations that the body is exposed to – whether in a good or bad situation.