Nursie
Hi, sounds like you have tried the usual things, what I find really good are those menthol strips, put one on your tongue and it blows your head off, clearing your sinuses at the same time, You will find going up may be a problem but coming down is going to be the worst, Vicks Sinex sniffer is as good as any but you can't beat those strong menthol and eucalyptos strips - cant think who makes them though. Drinking lots and keeping the swallowing going, warm oil ear drops paracetamol, decongestant tablets 1/2 hour before landing, tried them all personally, they do work most of the time. If there is fluid in the ear then you will have less problem- it is the gas expansion you need to worry about, also if anyone has a burst ear drum then there is no where for pressure to build so no more pain, no problem.