I used EarPlanes for a while and that helped to an extent, but I still felt pressure and it was slightly uncomfortable. My doctor recommended I used Mucinex D before a flight and it was a miracle! I found if I used earplanes on descent and popped a Mucinex an hour or two before the flight, I was golden.

I gather Sudafed works just as well. I think the main ingredient to look for is pseudoephedrine.