Earwax is a natural substance produced by your body to help it protect your ears from any dirt, debris and even bacteria from entering your ear canal. Sometimes, you may even notice a slight smell which is absolutely normal. However, if you notice a strong, unpleasant smell then this could be a sign of something worse like an ear infection.
When your ears become Infected, the earwax usually smells worse due to the mixture of bacteria, dead skin cells and discharge causing an unpleasant odour.
Here are some reasons as to why your earwax smells worse if you have an infection:
- Bacteria – this usually mixed with other body fluids and create a strong smell
- When moisture becomes trapped in your ear due to a build up of earwax, this can mix with other fluids and cause earwax to smell.
- Swelling and inflammation
- Drainage from the ear mixed with earwax can make the small worse
There are usually some very obvious telltale signs when it comes to having an ear infection apart from the foul smell. You may experience symptoms such as pain and pressure inside the ears, inflammation, redness, issues with your hearing and even discharge from your ears. These signs should never be ignored especially when connected with smelly earwax. If the smell is constant and getting worse, along with most of the symptoms noted above, then it’s always best to get this checked out by a healthcare professional who can help to diagnose you if you have an infection.
