Swallow to activate the muscles in the back of the throat which open the Eustachian tube. Drinking, eating or chewing gum is a good way to engage these muscles.
Yawn. Tighten the muscles in the back of your throat as you yawn, holding for a second or two. This will unplug the tube and equalize the pressure in your ears.
Take a deep breath. Blow out while pinching your nostrils and holding your mouth closed. You should feel a pop in your, which will ease the feeling of fullness or pain in your ears.
Use decongestants, either in pill form or nasal sprays. Take them at least half an hour before your flight.
Insert special ear plugs that are designed to slowly equalize the pressure in the ears. Pop them into your ears before the plane takes off and lands.
Blow up a nasal balloon. Insert the tube, attached to the balloon, into one nostril. Blow through your nose while holding the other nostril and your mouth closed.
