Once you unclog your ear, you’ll never want to do this again. Here is your pre-flight checklist:

Your ear has a tiny tunnel called the that connects your middle ear to the back of your throat. Its job is to equalise pressure. When a plane descends rapidly, the atmospheric pressure rises quickly, pushing against your eardrum. If your Eustachian tube doesn’t open wide enough or often enough to let air in, a vacuum forms, pulling the eardrum inward and making everything sound muffled. How to Unclog Your Ears After Landing

Pinch your nostrils shut. Keep your mouth closed. Gently attempt to exhale through your nose. You should hear a soft "pop" or crackle. Warning: Do not blow hard. You want a gentle push, not a power blast, to avoid rupturing the eardrum.

If your eardrum has ruptured due to the pressure, put drops in your ear or use the Valsalva maneuver. A ruptured eardrum usually heals on its own, but it requires keeping the ear dry and clean.

To avoid future discomfort, experts from the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic recommend: What to Do If Your Ears Won't Pop After a Flight | Beltone

Prevention is always easier than a cure. On your next trip, try these tips: