Flying

My OH always has ear trouble when we fly and was advised by a pharmacist to take Sudafed before a flight. If it is a long haul he takes it during the flight too. There are several types of this medication so maybe ask a pharmacist - I am away from home so cannot refer to the packet I keep in with the travelling stuff.

Thank you I am using sudofed at tbe moment hopefully it will work.

I used to get terribly deaf by the end of a long haul flight. I learned a neck exercise that helps a lot (it's good for your neck in other ways too).

Keeping your face forward, slowly lift one ear towards the ceiling, so that you get a stretch feeling down the side of your neck. Slowly reverse and do the other side. Repeat half a dozen times every day. You are stretching up not flopping your head sideways.
Most people "cheat" when they do this exercise and don't keep their face forward. The trick is to put your index finger on the end of your nose when you are practicing. Your head moves, but your nose stays in the same spot, if you are doing it correctly. A mirror will help you to get the knack. I do it every day, but also on places (without the nose on finger thing!) . I think it helps by stretching out your eustachian tube that links your middle ear to your throat and helps it to open and let air pass along it.
Also the obvious ones - stay hydrated (water every hour, no alcohol) and use mints or gum during the descent.

Good tip Jess . Haven't heard of that before. Mid-haul flight coming up in a few weeks, so will start the exercise now.