In Reply to: kids ears on aeroplanes posted by suzielee on Thursday, 19. January 2006 at 16:44 Bali Time:
the pain is the result of unequal air pressure inside and outside the ear. Anyone who goes snorkeling and dives down more than 3 or 4 feet will know that the pain in the ears can become unbearable unless you equalise. You do this by pinching your nostrils between thumb and forefinger and blowing down hard. That's why diving masks have the recess each side of the nostrils. When you feel your ears pop, then you know it's OK.
As you dive down further you need to equalise repeatedly. Similarly, you need to equalise repeatedly as the plane is going up or down.
If you have sinus problems, or some kinds of flu type virus, then this may be difficult. That's perhaps when some kind of medication may help, but I have no information on this. I would strongly suggest not to put earplugs in your ears. This would be most inadvisable if you were snorkeling and the principle is the same.
For anyone prone to sinus problems etc, I would suggest discussing the situation with your doctor.