What will prevent my ears from getting stuffy after I fly on a plane?

Everytime I travel on a plane my ears get stuffed and I can't hear well out of one of them for about a week after. What can prevent this? Will the earplane ear plugs help this?What will prevent my ears from getting stuffy after I fly on a plane?The problem lies in whats called your Eustacian tubes-not in your ear itself per se.They're tiny tubes that connect your inner ears to your sinuses.If they don't function properly (due to allergies,infection or irritation) your inner ear can't equalize itself with your surroundings-hence the pressure build up and popping and crackling sounds in your ear .Chewing gum can help some but a better idea is to take an oral decongestant tablet or two about an hour before your plane takes off-and if its a long flight-say-4 hours or more take another about an hour before you land.You can try decongestant sprays -I found the pills work better.You might want to talk to a Dr. about it-who will likely prescribe a nasal steroid spray like Flonase.What will prevent my ears from getting stuffy after I fly on a plane?I've found that chewing gum helps.