It is interesting reading the last two posts. mad jock is typical of the attitude 'the book says or the regulations say'. Captplaystation on the other hand shows the dangers of not being prepared for such a situation.
You are risking your life and all the passengers on board by not being aware of what you need to clear your ears on the descent. Dizziness and other symptoms are common in such situations. A good decongestant may be 'frowned upon' by the authorities but it becomes the common sense option in Captplatstations case. Asprin just wont hack it in that situation!