Originally Posted by SanDiego1K
The only thing that helps my ears are to take two styrofoam cups, 2 small cloths, and get the FA to pour a small amount of hot water on the cloths. Then hold the cups over your ears on landing. OK, you look like a doofus - but it's a heck of a lot better than excruciating pain. The moist hot air helps the ear channels expand - ahhhh, good.
Another thing that strangely enough, once worked for me, was a couple of ice cubes, wrapped in a small cloth pressed right behind each ear.
It was suggested by a FA. I disbelievingly tried it, and voila my ears cleared, and the pain subsided.
Since then, I always travel with water, gum or candy, and if stuffed-up take a decongestant. (funny how my anti-unnecessary-taking-of-medicine stance shifts when I know ear pain is on the way
)