Mr. Skyguy,

I have had this happen quite alot in the past, up until a few years ago...

A flight attendant was passing by the aisle, we were just starting our descent, while I was in severe pain, she saw my face, I was litterally out of it, I wanted to DIE it hurt so much. Poor hubby didn't know what to do with me, I had my head in both hands and kept saying to hubby "je suis plus capable" ("I can't go on"). I think this has been my worst case, I really thought something was going to explode in my head!

The FA immediately went into the galley and came out with 2 styrofoam cups loaded with steaming HOT wet towels, she then told me to place them over my ears and keep them there until we land. I did this and it worked! To my amazement!

I really don't care if I look like a funny bunny with white cups over my ears, forget about the looks I get from the surrounding pax, heck I want RELIEF! And believe me it brings this immediately. But you need to do this the moment the descent starts, don't wait or its too late...

I don't know why this works, but it must dialate the ears or something, call it science or whatever but I call it pure magic!

Do try it... for your sake..
Best of luck! Happy new year! Or should I say happy new ear? No pun intended!