The problem in airliners is not nearly as bad as when flying military fighters with O2 masks. The equalization of internal O2 saturation causes the same type of ear discomfort as on descent, but for many hours after the flight.
The relief is the same, in any case. The Valsalva technique (pinch nose closed, close mouth, and try to exhale briefly and sharply through the nose) works well for me; repeat as often as necessary.