Earwax often has a faint scent, which is quite normal. A strong, new or unpleasant smell can be a clue that something else is going on, such as trapped wax or an ear infection. This guide explains what different smells can mean, what you can safely do at home, and when to get your ears checked.
What is earwax?
Earwax (known as cerumen) is a natural, waxy mix of dead skin cells, oils and secretions from the ear canal. It traps dirt and dust, keeps the ear canal moist and helps to repel water.
Ear wax smell, texture and colour
Ear wax comes in different colours and textures, and its smell varies from person to person. That's all normal.
The colour can range from light yellow to dark brown, and the texture from sticky to crumbly. Neither usually means there's a problem.
Healthy earwax contains a small number of natural odour compounds, and researchers have found that the amounts differ between people (Monell Chemical Senses Center, 2014). Most people would describe the normal smell as faint, slightly sweet or musky.
Why does ear wax smell like vinegar, nuts, cheese or fish?
People describe smelly earwax in lots of ways, from vinegary or sour to cheesy, fishy or musty. The description alone can't tell you the cause. What matters more is whether the smell is new or strong, and whether it comes with other symptoms, such as discharge, pain, itching or a change in your hearing.
A bad smell with those symptoms can be a sign of an ear infection or trapped wax. Get it checked by a GP, who can look properly inside your ear and tell you what is causing it.
What if my ear wax smells but doesn't hurt?
An unpleasant smell from the ear, even without pain, can have several causes. Although earwax build-up may sometimes contribute to irritation or trapped moisture, a persistent or strong odour can indicate an ear infection or another condition that needs assessment. If your ear feels blocked due to wax, ear drops may help soften the blockage and allow the wax to clear naturally. However, drops are not suitable for everyone, particularly if you have a perforated eardrum. If the blockage does not clear, professional earwax removal, such as microsuction, may be appropriate following an ear examination.
If you notice persistent, unpleasant-smelling discharge from your ear, even without pain, arrange an appointment with your GP. Although uncommon, these symptoms can sometimes be associated with cholesteatoma, an abnormal build-up of skin cells within the ear, usually behind the eardrum. Cholesteatoma requires specialist assessment and is usually treated surgically. Your GP can arrange referral to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist if necessary.
Smelly or blocked ear? Our ear care specialists can look inside your ear and remove trapped wax with microsuction, from £65 for both ears. Book ear wax removal or call 0800 002 9503.
What can cause smelly ear wax?
Earwax build-up: Excessive earwax can cause a blocked sensation, reduced hearing, discomfort or tinnitus. It may sometimes contribute to irritation or trapped moisture, but a strong or persistent unpleasant odour is not a typical symptom of uncomplicated earwax build-up. Infection or another ear condition should be considered.
Outer ear infection (otitis externa): this can be caused by something irritating the ear canal, such as water, eczema or wearing earplugs. It can cause itching, pain and discharge.
Middle ear infection: usually caused by a virus such as a cold or flu. It can cause earache, a high temperature and sometimes discharge.
Something stuck in the ear: objects such as cotton bud tips can irritate the lining of the ear canal and lead to infection, so never put anything in your ear.
Skin conditions: eczema or psoriasis in the ear canal can cause inflammation and discharge, which can make earwax smell.
Cholesteatoma: An uncommon condition involving an abnormal build-up of skin cells within the ear, usually behind the eardrum. It can cause persistent, unpleasant-smelling discharge, gradual hearing loss and recurrent ear infections. If left untreated, it can damage structures within the ear. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek GP assessment, as referral to an ENT specialist may be necessary. Treatment usually involves surgery.
