Let’s get the quick science out of the way. Your ears have a pressure-regulation system (the eustachian tubes). During takeoff and landing, cabin air pressure changes faster than your body can keep up. Normally, swallowing or yawning opens those tubes and equalizes things.
Take a big gulp of water. Now do it again, but this time tilt your head side to side while swallowing. Better yet, try the “Toynbee maneuver”: pinch your nose and swallow at the same time. It’s weird, but it works. how to unblock ears after plane
Most airplane ear clears within 48 hours. But if you have: Let’s get the quick science out of the way