Bad smell from the ear can be a sign of infection or some kind of blockage. If the smell is accompanied by discharge, pain or fever that has lasted more than three days, please speak to your primary health care giver at the earliest. Some things that may cause bad smell in the region of the ear are ear infections, wax build up, sinusitis, or poor hygiene in the external ear.
If you wear spectacles or sunglasses, they may cause an accumulation of bacteria behind your ear. In this case the remedy is simply washing behind your ears or wiping with a swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
If the smell is from inside the ear, try warming some olive oil or mineral oil and pouring 4-5 drops in your ear. Lie down on your side with the affected ear towards the ceiling and stay that way for 5 minutes. Then drain the ear out and excess wax may come out that way. You can also dip a Q-tip in some rubbing alcohol and just clean the outside of the canal without venturing inside.
If there is an infection and it is not too severe, chances are it will clear up by itself. To help it clear up sooner you can use a nasal spray containing a plant sugar called xylitol. Try not to allow water inside your ears and do not insert anything such as rolled up paper or safety pins or you may damage your ear drum.
If the bad smell persists and you develop other symptoms such as pain or fever, do consult a doctor.
answered by S E