Earwax that smells and smell behind ear: causes and treatments

The question of whether earwax is supposed to have a scent often sparks curiosity. Naturally, earwax can have a faint odor because it is composed of dead skin cells, hair, and secretions from glands in the ear canal—this is normal and helps maintain ear health and cleanliness.

However, when earwax develops a strong or unpleasant smell, it can indicate an underlying problem, such as an infection, ear blockage, or other medical condition. Identifying the cause of smelly earwax is important, as it allows for appropriate care and ensures any potential issues are addressed promptly.

What causes earwax to smell? The reasons why your warwax smells can be a lot, indeed, the bad odor may depend on various factors, often accompanied by other symptoms, aiding in identifying the root issue. Here is a list of the most comon causes:

• Excessive Earwax: Overproduction of earwax can lead to blockage, resulting in a foul odor. Symptoms may include earache, hearing difficulties, and drainage.
• Ear Infection: Typically occurring in the middle ear, infections can be bacterial or viral, causing pain and drainage with a noticeable odor. Children may also exhibit ear pain, irritability, and fever.
• Foreign Object: Objects or insects stuck in the ear can cause pain, hearing loss, and infection, along with smelly earwax.
• Swimmer’s Ear: Moisture retained in the ear post-swimming can lead to infection, presenting symptoms like itching, redness, and foul-smelling discharge.
• Cholesteatoma: Noncancerous skin growths behind the eardrum, often associated with repeated ear infections, may produce smelly earwax along with pressure, earaches, and balance issues.
• Ear Cancer: While rare, ear cancer can manifest with symptoms such as ear discharge, pain, hearing loss, facial weakness, or lumps.

Identifying accompanying symptoms can aid in determining the underlying cause of smelly earwax, prompting appropriate treatment.

Yes, earwax can sometimes change in odor during perimenopause. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly changes in estrogen and progesterone levels, can alter the composition of earwax by affecting the amount of oil and sweat secreted in the ear canal. These changes may lead to a stronger or slightly different smell than usual.

Additionally, perimenopause can influence the balance of bacteria and yeast in the body, including the ears, which may also impact earwax odor. While mild changes are generally normal, a sudden or very strong foul smell should be checked by a healthcare professional to rule out infection or other ear conditions.

Consider these home remedies for smelly earwax, depending on its cause:

Excessive earwax:

• Soften the wax with baby oil, hydrogen peroxide, glycerin, or mineral oil using an eyedropper.
• After a few days, use a rubber syringe to gently spray warm water into your ear, tilting your head to allow the water to drain out.
• Dry your outer ear gently with a towel or blow-dryer.
• Avoid ear candling, as it is ineffective and may cause harm.

If home treatment doesn't resolve the issue, consult your doctor, who may remove the wax using a curet, suction, water pick, or rubber-bulb syringe.

Ear infection: If you suspect an ear infection, seek medical attention, especially if symptoms persist for more than a day or include severe pain or discharge. Treatment may include pain medication, warm compresses, or antibiotics. If an object is visible and near the surface, your doctor may remove it with tweezers or use a rubber-bulb syringe to flush it out with warm water. For insects trapped in the ear, try using warm olive oil, baby oil, mineral oil or essential oils to facilitate removal.

Swimmer's ear: Swimmer's ear requires medical treatment, which may involve cleaning the ear and prescribing medication for infection or pain. To aid healing, avoid swimming, flying, or using hearing aids, earplugs, or headphones until cleared by your doctor. Prevent water from entering your ear during bathing or showering, and use a cotton ball with petroleum jelly to keep your ear dry.

Cholesteatoma: If you suspect a cholesteatoma, consult your doctor for treatment, which may include antibiotics, eardrops, and meticulous ear cleaning. Surgery may be necessary if initial treatments fail.

Ear cancer: Treatment for ear cancer typically involves surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy under the guidance of a medical professional.

If home remedies don’t clear up your earwax issue in a couple of days and your smelly earwax is accompanied by other symptoms, check in with your doctor.

Smelly earwax is usually harmless, but in certain cases, it can indicate a more serious problem. Warning signs include a sudden, strong, or foul odor, especially when accompanied by pain, itching, redness, swelling, or discharge from the ear.

These symptoms may signal an ear infection, impacted earwax, or an underlying medical condition that requires attention. Persistent or worsening odor should never be ignored, as timely evaluation by a healthcare professional can prevent complications and ensure proper treatment.