Yes, hairy ears are normal, particularly in men and people assigned male at birth (AMAB) as they age.
Ear hair, while sometimes considered a cosmetic concern, doesn't usually affect hearing and serves a protective function. Here's a breakdown:
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Prevalence: Hairy ears are more common in men and people AMAB, especially as they get older. Women and people assigned female at birth (AFAB) rarely develop significant ear hair.
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Function: Ear hair helps protect the inner ear by trapping dust, debris, and small insects, preventing them from entering the ear canal.
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Hearing Impact: The presence of ear hair itself generally does not impact hearing. However, excessive wax buildup trapped by the hair can affect hearing.
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Hormonal Influence: The development of ear hair is linked to testosterone levels. This explains why it is more prevalent in men and people AMAB, and why it tends to increase with age as sensitivity to testosterone changes.
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Cosmetic Concerns: Some individuals find ear hair unsightly and choose to remove it through various methods, such as trimming, waxing, or laser hair removal.
In summary, hairy ears are a common occurrence, especially among men and people AMAB as they age. They serve a protective function, and while they don't usually affect hearing, they can be a cosmetic concern for some.
