Hi John,
if this discomfort has persisted for the last 12 months, then I would suggest you see a ENT(ear nose and throat) and certainly a GP to assess it as soon as is practical. It certainly should not last that long.
everyone gets barotrauma at some stage, and some people are more prone than others. The most significant pressure change occurs in the immediate 2 minutes and approximately 8000 feet, after that there should be moderate change until landing again which will be the last 8000 feet and will certainly be in the last 15 minutes of the flight.
Google "Valsalva maneuver" for more information.
hope this helps you, and go see a GP asap.