Preventing the ears from getting clogged on descent to Barcelona [duplicate]
![Preventing the ears from getting clogged on descent to Barcelona [duplicate] - Low angle of old catholic basilica with stained glass windows named Sagrada Familia located in Barcelona in Spain](/assets/images/preventing_the_ears_from_getting_clogged_on_descent_to_barcelona_duplicate_0.jpeg "Preventing the ears from getting clogged on descent to Barcelona [duplicate] - Low angle of old catholic basilica with stained glass windows named Sagrada Familia located in Barcelona in Spain")
I've been having an terrible experience when ever I'm descending to Barcelona. My ears would clog so bad that it would even hurt for a couple of seconds. That it self doesn't cause a problem. The thing that irritates me is that it takes a couple of days to regain my original hearing level, which is often followed with a headache (I don't have any hearing problem, nor any health issue).
I've descended to multiple cities and only experienced this while landing to Barcelona. I've landed to other cities which stand at sea-level and didn't experience such issues.
On my ultimate landing, I tried the valsalva maneuver, as well as chewing, swallowing and other things that could possibly unclog the ears. None of it was efficient.
Are there any preventives for this case? It's really annoying to deal with if every time after the specific flight. Furthermore I'm scared that it can damage my hearing in a long time.
Best Answer
Since you stated you've tried (most of) the tricks listed on "Best way to make my ears pop", the only thing I can think of is taking an allergy drug that has decongestant in it (such as cetirizine+pseudoefedrine) about a half an hour before descend begins. Soma nasal sprays may also work. You should consult a doctor or a pharmacist for more detailed information.
And, as @abelenky stated in his/her comment, one should start "working" the ears as soon as the descend starts. If you have a tendency to get clogged ears, it may be that even a small pressure difference may totally block your eustachian tubes.
Pictures about "Preventing the ears from getting clogged on descent to Barcelona [duplicate]"
![Preventing the ears from getting clogged on descent to Barcelona [duplicate] - From below of Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona with stained glass windows and sculpture near uneven walls](/assets/images/preventing_the_ears_from_getting_clogged_on_descent_to_barcelona_duplicate_1.jpeg "Preventing the ears from getting clogged on descent to Barcelona [duplicate] - From below of Sagrada Familia basilica in Barcelona with stained glass windows and sculpture near uneven walls")
![Preventing the ears from getting clogged on descent to Barcelona [duplicate] - Gothic relief with columns and carved elements](/assets/images/preventing_the_ears_from_getting_clogged_on_descent_to_barcelona_duplicate_2.jpeg "Preventing the ears from getting clogged on descent to Barcelona [duplicate] - Gothic relief with columns and carved elements")
![Preventing the ears from getting clogged on descent to Barcelona [duplicate] - From below pillars and decorative ceiling with ornamental chandelier in Basilica de la Sagrada Familia in Barcelona](/assets/images/preventing_the_ears_from_getting_clogged_on_descent_to_barcelona_duplicate_3.jpeg "Preventing the ears from getting clogged on descent to Barcelona [duplicate] - From below pillars and decorative ceiling with ornamental chandelier in Basilica de la Sagrada Familia in Barcelona")
How to prevent ear pain with flying
More answers regarding preventing the ears from getting clogged on descent to Barcelona [duplicate]
Answer 2
The curious thing here is that you state in your question that you have no problem with other sea level airports so it seems very unlikely that the usual tricks will work.
I would suggest either flying to Girona instead although there are fairly limited charter flights there and it is about 75km from Barcelona or even flying to Madrid and getting the AVE train which takes under three hours from central Madrid to Barcelona Sants station. You would still have to add in the time to get to central Madrid. If you are aiming for southern Catalonia Alicante might be another option for airports too.
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Maria Orlova, Maria Orlova, Maria Orlova, Maria Orlova