Why is my ear draining dark brown and smelly?

You could have a common cold. Sore­ throat, headache, cough, and nasal drainage - the­se symptoms fit for a common cold. Dry nose too, is a common sign. Colds are viral. The­y usually resolve within a wee­k or two on their own. To ease symptoms, ge­t rest, stay hydrated, and try over-the­-counter remedie­s for relief.

Your symptoms seem to suggest that you have allergies. Different symptoms including a runny nose, sore throat, and an itchy ear can characterize allergies. Dust, pollen, or keeping pets are the causes of these symptoms. It is important to keep your surroundings clean, use air filters, and take over-the-counter medication for allergies. Stay away from strong scents and consult your doctor for other treatment alternatives.

Lymph nodes are small defenders in your body that help fight infections. Sometimes, they stay a little swollen even after the infection is gone. In your case, the nodes are small and movable, which is a positive sign. Since they haven’t changed in size over the past two years and aren’t causing any issues, it’s likely just your body’s way of managing past infections. However, it’s a good idea to keep an eye on them. If they grow, become painful, or new symptoms appear, it's best to get them checked again for peace of mind. 

You might be having some issues with your ear if the sound coming from your right ear is not working as it should. This could be the result of a foreign object blocking the ear canal or a malfunction of the nerves in the ear. To solve this, you should consult an audiologist who is a specialist in hearing disorders. The audiologist will be able to diagnose the problem and also help you improve your hearing.