Ear, Nose, and Throat Disorders
Question #7145
33 days ago
54

ear hair - #7145

Anonymously

Lately, I’ve been noticing more ear hair than usual, especially on the outer edges and even inside my ear canal. I never really paid attention to it before, but now it seems thicker and longer. Is this normal, or does excessive ear hair growth mean something else is going on? From what I understand, ear hair helps trap dust and debris, preventing them from getting inside the ear. But does the amount of ear hair increase with age, or do some people naturally have more than others? I read that hormonal changes can affect hair growth—does that mean high testosterone levels could be making my ear hair grow more? Another thing I’m wondering about is whether trimming ear hair is safe. I don’t want to accidentally cause an infection or irritation. What’s the best way to remove ear hair—should I use scissors, a trimmer, or something else? I’ve heard of waxing, but is that safe for ear hair, or could it damage the skin inside the ear? I also read that excessive ear hair could be linked to certain medical conditions. Could more ear hair be a sign of hormonal imbalances or something like hypertrichosis? If someone suddenly starts growing thick ear hair, should they get their hormone levels checked? Another concern I have is whether ear hair can affect hearing. If too much ear hair grows inside the ear canal, could it trap wax and cause blockages? I’ve had some mild ear discomfort lately—could that be related to ear hair, or is that more likely an earwax issue? For those who trim or remove their ear hair, what method works best without causing irritation? Also, does ear hair grow back thicker if you shave or cut it, or is that just a myth? I want to keep it under control without making the problem worse.

Ear hair
Excessive hair growth
Ear grooming
Hormonal changes
Earwax buildup
Hearing issues
Ent health
100 INR (~1.18 USD)
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Doctors’ responses

Dr. Evgeny Arsentev
I am a highly qualified medical professional with over 15 years of experience in General Medicine. My expertise spans diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, providing evidence-based care, and mentoring junior doctors. I am dedicated to ensuring patient well-being through a combination of clinical skills and compassionate care.
33 days ago
Ear hair growth can increase with age, and some people are naturally more prone to having thicker or longer ear hair. Hormonal changes, such as higher testosterone levels, can also contribute to increased hair growth in areas like the ears. This is usually normal, though it can be more noticeable for some people. As for trimming ear hair, it's generally safe as long as you do it carefully. Using small scissors or a trimmer designed for sensitive areas is best to avoid irritation or injury. Waxing is not recommended for ear hair, as it can damage the delicate skin inside the ear canal and lead to infections. If you're concerned about infection or discomfort, consider trimming just the outer hair and avoiding the ear canal itself. In rare cases, excessive hair growth can be linked to certain conditions, like hormonal imbalances or hypertrichosis. If the hair growth has increased suddenly or is accompanied by other unusual symptoms, it might be worth discussing with your doctor and getting hormone levels checked. As for ear discomfort, excessive ear hair can trap wax, leading to blockages or discomfort, but it’s more likely that earwax itself is causing the issue. Regular cleaning with gentle methods should help.
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