The chemicals have to be in contact with each other in order for any type of chemical reaction to take place. One of the most common examples of a chemical reaction is the rusting of a fence. The combining of the metal and the oxygen causes bonds to break and new ones to be created, which results in the creation of iron oxide or rust.
The ear canal cleans itself with a waxy secretion called cerumen. Cerumen is resistant to water, sticky (to trap dust) and migrates out of the ear canal to self-clean the ear. Sometimes, the wax builds up and causes symptoms, including mild deafness and a sensation of fullness inside the ear.
Normally the ear wax is slightly smelly and bitter. It is because of the chemical composition and dead bacteria and debris which get entrapped in the canal. The smell prevents insects from entering inside the ear. However, sometimes there is strong odor emitted from ear wax.his is unusual and an indication of an underlying pathology. Smelly ear wax can be due to various reasons such as an infection in the ear. It may be a bacterial infection or a fungal infection. Infection in external ear is common among swimmers.