How do I stop my ears hurting / going deaf when flying?

[SouthCountryGirl]

I fly a few times a year and whilst I've had that fullness feeling, I've never had issues like this weekend.

I had really painful ears and went deaf temporarily. (I do have issues affecting my hearing but nothing like this)

Is there a way to stop this happening again? I have no idea if this is relevant but I've been really snotty (I have hayfever) since flying out.

A friend did give me Sudafed. But would that make any difference if I took it before flying?

It was only a short flight of 90 minutes each way

I had this once, I think it's just a one off. But I happened to have some saline nose spray in my bag for babies, so I put some in my own nose. Nothing happened, then the pain increased to the point I couldn't help saying "Aaaaaah" and then suddenly, blissfully, it totally "popped" my ear and everything was clear and didn't hurt any more. Oh and then my nose started running a LOT, which was not good in a mask! So I'd always take that on a plane again just in case, because all the normal nose popping methods weren't working at all.

I think it happens if you're a bit congested because the fluid in your ear/nose expands painfully. The saline spray allowed it to dissolve a bit and drain.

Take a decongestant an hour before. I’ve had this and it was so painful.

Sudafed.

I suck on a sweet during landing and take off. I also found ear plugs help. I might try Sudafed