Ear pressure problems are most common when taking off and landing in an airplane.
The best way to keep your ears from "popping" from the pressure is the same your mom used to tell you – chew on some chewing gum! Mints work also, but the thing you want to aim for is the jaw motion and swallowing. When you swallow, you open the muscle that closes the ear- the very same muscle that allows your ears to "pop".
For children who are not old enough to chew on gum, give them a bottle, or sucker, or anything that will make them swallow more than usual! Few things in life are worse than a crying baby or toddler on an airplane! And sore ears will not help the situation!
Yawning is another effective method to release pressure build up in your ear.
If after landing your ears are tender from the pressurization, warm a little olive oil or baby oil and put a few drops in your ears. This will help them feel better!
Although it’s rare, bugs can fly into your ear (such as gnats). If this happens, the easiest thing to do is flush them out with sterile water, or warm oil. If it doesn’t come out, you should see a physician.