What could cause sharp pain in the ear and can also last for prolonged periods?

Wax Build-up: Ear pain can be caused by: viral, fungal or bacterial infection infection can involve the inner ear, middle ear of outer ear wax buildup can be very common there are other causes, but i would investigate the above by having a physician look in your ear thru an otoscope.

Many causes: Earache are non-specific. Persistent ear pain could be ear canal infection, headache, TMJ disorder, dental infection, arthritis of neck and others. See an ENT doctor!