Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT) Questions Ear wax

My baby's ears are very smelly. Is it normal in small children?

My baby is about 3 months old, and when I clean his ears there is a really strange odor coming from the wax. Is this normal with small kids or should I get his ears checked?

6 Answers

Not really. An odor as you describe usually means some form of fungal infection in the external ear canal, although it may be very minor. Some infants make a lot of moist wax and it is the moisture that brings on the fungal infection that may cause the odor. To prevent this keep the ears dry. You might try dipping a Q Tip in alcohol and cleaning out the area just at the opening to the canal. If keeping the ear dry and the opening clear does not work, you should see your pediatrician or ENT doctor and see if there is a more serious issue going on that needs more aggressive treatment.  
Babies have typically smaller ear canals and they do produce the waxy secretion which is common. It may have a distinctive smell to some, but if not discolored or actively draining, this is not worrisome.
That may occur, as long as there is no drainage that is yellow, such as pus.

Devang P. Desai, MD
Yes, earwax can smell pungent, and unless the child is complaining of pain or a fever, do not worry.
If water accumulates in the ear, it can mix with wax and generate a bad odour. That does not necessarily mean it is infected, but it could be the first sign of an infection - so it's hard to say... Other signs of infection would include pain, temperature, redness of the ear canal, or discharge of the ear canal. If you have any of these accompanying features or if the symptoms persist, I would recommend seeing a doctor.
Provided baby does not have fever or obvious ear infection, can use hydrogen peroxide and eye dropper to break up the ear wax. Use bulb string and lukewarm water to irrigate after peroxide in ear canals for five minutes. Can repeat. No q-tips except on ver outside