Schwannoma arising from the tympanic membrane is a rare neoplasm. This report describes an external ear canal mass obscuring the tympanic membrane. A transcanal approach identified a tumour adhered to the tympanic membrane. The tumour was excised without myringoplasty. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of schwannoma. Clinical examination revealed no evidence of recurrence during a follow-up period of one year. The possible origins of schwannoma of the tympanic membrane and lesion management are also discussed.