Concern About My Boyfriend's Ear Condition
In August 2024, my boyfriend, who is 23 years old while I am 21, developed an ear infection, a condition he often faces after swimming. Since that incident, his ear has emitted a very unpleasant odor resembling that of fish, and the smell is intensely strong. After enduring this issue for a couple of months, he decided to consult his doctor. The examination revealed that there were no obvious abnormalities, no signs of infection, and no excessive wax buildup in his ear. Essentially, the doctor was puzzled and couldn’t offer any recommendations. While both of his ears have a slight odor, it is particularly the affected side that produces this overpowering fishy smell. Surprisingly, he hasn’t experienced any pain or additional symptoms, and there have been no further instances of ear infections. This situation is incredibly frustrating for me. My boyfriend has attempted an ear cleaning method suggested by his physician, but unfortunately, it has not yielded any results. To make matters worse, he absolutely dislikes the process due to his history of ear infections and finds the sensation of liquid in his ear uncomfortable. I’m reaching out for any insights or advice that could help us with this perplexing situation.
Answers (1)
3/18/2025, 8:31:00 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like your boyfriend's situation is very concerning, especially with the persistent unpleasant odor coming from his ear. While this can be frustrating, the absence of pain or further infections is a positive sign.
Key Points:
- The odor could be related to skin conditions, bacteria, or moisture retained in the ear rather than an active infection.
- Regular cleaning habits can play a significant role, but finding a comfortable method for him is crucial.
Explanation:
The strong fishy smell coming from the ear can sometimes arise from a condition known as "external otitis" (but with no signs of current infection, this might not be the case) or from the ear's environment. Bacteria or fungi can thrive in moist conditions often encountered after swimming or bathing, leading to oddly scented discharge even without infection. The fact that his doctor found no abnormalities is reassuring but doesn't solve the problem at hand.
Next Steps:
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Continue Ear Hygiene: Since your boyfriend dislikes certain methods, consider gentle drying techniques after swimming or showering, like using a soft towel to blot the outer ear. Avoid inserting anything into the ear canal.
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Keep Dry: Encourage him to keep his ears dry, particularly after swimming. A swim cap may help, and using earplugs specifically designed for swimming can minimize the impact of water entering the ear.
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Use Vinegar Solution: If he is comfortable, he might try a very diluted solution of white vinegar and water (equal parts). A few drops can help balance the ear's natural flora. However, he should stop if he experiences any discomfort.
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Monitor for Changes: Encourage him to keep track of when the odor worsens or improves, including any activities or environmental changes. This could help identify triggers.
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Follow-Up with the Doctor: If the odor persists or worsens, revisiting the doctor for further investigation is a good idea. They may consider referring him to an ENT specialist, who may have more specific interventions to offer.
Your support and patience during this frustrating time are essential. Consider discussing how both of you feel and any ideas you might have together for managing the situation further.
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