most common causes for include Ear canal infection Symptoms of an ear canal infection include ear pain and itching, decreased hearing, drainage and more. Earwax blockage Sometimes ear wax can harden and block the ear canal, causing discomfort and itching, earache, and more. Middle ear infection A middle ear infection puts pressure on the eardrum, causing pain and, sometimes, hearing loss. Chronic sinusitis Chronic sinusitis, or sinus infections, cause a stuffy or runny nose, tooth pain, fever, sore throat and more. Trauma or injury Trauma most often refers to serious bodily injury or wounds symptoms range depending on the injury. Foreign object in the ear canal A foreign object in the ear may cause pain, redness, drainage problems, and in rare case, hearing loss. Respiratory syncytial virus Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a virus that causes symptoms similar to the common cold. Ruptured eardrum A ruptured eardrum, a hole or tear in the tympanic membrane, causes temporary hearing loss or discharge. Swimmer s ear Swimmer s ear is an infection and irritation of the outer ear and ear canal causing redness, pain, and more. Thyroid cancer Thyroid cancer is cancer of the thyroid gland and can cause a cough, hoarseness, a lump in the neck, and more.