Which of the following is a common cause of otalgia?

Otalgia, or ear pain, can have various causes, and one of the most common is blockage due to earwax, also known as cerumen impaction. Earwax is a natural substance produced by glands in the ear canal to protect the ear. However, when it accumulates excessively or becomes hardened, it can lead to blockage that exerts pressure on the eardrum and surrounding structures, causing pain. This blockage can also lead to other issues such as infections or hearing loss, which further contribute to discomfort and can intensify ear pain.

In contrast, while allergy medications can produce a variety of side effects, they are not a well-established cause of ear pain. Dietary changes typically affect gastrointestinal function rather than directly causing ear discomfort. Temperature fluctuations might result in changes in atmospheric pressure, but they are generally not a primary cause of otalgia. This makes blockage due to earwax a key and common reason for experiencing pain in the ear.