Just wanted to say how much I appreciate this thread. In December, I was suddenly in incredible pain during a landing in DCA. After a frantic trip to CVS, I started taking DayQuil and Nuprin and the flight back two days later wasn't as painful. Then yesterday, landing in LHR I had serious pain again. I ran to Boots and bought Sudafed. Landing in ORD last night wasn't as painful, but my ears were still blocked until about 4 hours ago (12 hours after landing). I have to fly again Friday night and Sunday night and plan to implement several of the suggestions here. Most of all, though, I really had no idea how serious a risk this is to my ears--something to take into account in deciding whether a trip is worth the risk.
Thank you!