What do you call a bear without an ear?

“Bear”

While 'bear' is the original word, the riddle plays on the word by removing the 'ear' to create a pun. Simply stating 'bear' doesn't capture the clever wordplay.

“Deaf bear”

This guess implies a bear that cannot hear, which is not relevant to the wordplay of the riddle. The riddle is about the letters in the word rather than the bear's abilities.

“Eared bear”

This guess incorrectly focuses on a bear that has ears, which is the opposite of the riddle's intention. The riddle is about what remains when you take away 'ear' from 'bear'.