if it were suction causing a problem on airplanes, that discomfort would occur on takeoff, not descent. The common denominator to me might be your Eustacean tubes... have you tried a valsalva maneuver? Google:
"What is a Valsalva maneuver? The Valsalva maneuver is a breathing technique that can be used to unclog ears, restore heart rhythm or diagnose an autonomic nervous system (ANS). To perform the Valsalva maneuver, you should close your mouth, pinch your nose shut and press the air out like you are blowing up a balloon."
"What is a Valsalva maneuver? The Valsalva maneuver is a breathing technique that can be used to unclog ears, restore heart rhythm or diagnose an autonomic nervous system (ANS). To perform the Valsalva maneuver, you should close your mouth, pinch your nose shut and press the air out like you are blowing up a balloon."