I'm new to the job and have never really noticed a problem - you're right in that if you have, for example, a head cold, it can be difficult to relieve the pressure by the usual chewing or swallowing (works fine for me). That's why even a mild common cold can cause pilots to pull a sicky when, in another job, it wouldn't be an issue.
I suppose some people are more prone to discomfort than others - I never feel discomfort, just the sensation that the ears need to be cleared. Having said that, I hardly ever notice even that to be honest.
How bad is the discomfort? Your physiology might mean you find it that bit harder to equalise pressures...
B&S
