Are there any good ways to prevent pain in my ears when flying?

Many ways - careful: The pain is due to difference in pressure outside the ear drum and inside the ear drum. The pressure is equalized by the eustachian tubes which open to the inner ear from the upper part of your nose (nasopharynx). Chewing gum can help equalize pressure. Also, can very carefully, squeeze your nose closed and try to exhale very very slowly through your nose to equalize pressure during descent.