Ears on Planes?

Last year flying to Cyprus my ears poped and i went deaf for a while whilst we flew over water, and as soon as we were on land they came back to normal.
Is there anything i can do to help it stop popping whilst over water? Im flying to Greece soon and i dont want this to happen again =]
Ive tried gum, and sweets but they just dont work !

any more suggestions ??

Have the same problem, and still looking for a cure. What i do in the meantime when that happens: I close my mouth, and try to exhale through your nose but while it's held tightly shut. that pushes the air out of your ears, at least temporarily.

Try yawning when on the plane. A deep, mouth-open yawn will equalise the pressure inside and outside the ear-drum and reslove the popping problem.

YES!
sit near the middle of the plane.
do not sit at the back and DO NOT sit in the front, (I've had experience.....bad experience).
your ears will still hurt but not as bad.

They make ear plugs for flying, if you want to try that. Wear them once you get on, to full altitude, then once you're landing.
I hear drinking a sip of water helps.
If you yawn as wide as you can, that should help too.
Also, have some bubble gum. A big thick piece might be best.
If you're really worried, try a decongestant from your doctor. But make sure they know why you're taking it. Then take it 30 minutes before the plane takes off.

they have these things called earplane they go in yourr ears and they dont pop, I use them for my kids and they are much happier.