If your Eustachian tubes are swollen (from a cold, allergies, or congestion), they collapse under this vacuum. That is when you really feel the agony.

The culprit is the , a narrow passage connecting your middle ear to the back of your nose and throat. Its job is to equalise the air pressure on both sides of your eardrum.

Pinch your nostrils shut, close your mouth, and gently try to blow air through your nose. Caution: Do not blow too hard, as this can damage the eardrum.

Using a spray (like oxymetazoline) about 30 minutes before takeoff and 30 minutes before landing can shrink the membranes in the nose and throat.

Mastering the Skies: Your Ultimate Guide to Airplane Ear Pressure Relief

These actions pull on the muscles that open the Eustachian tubes. Chewing gum or sucking on hard lollies (especially during takeoff and landing) is a classic for a reason—it keeps you swallowing.