If your ear hairs grow, it’s often because of changes in hormone levels, particularly an increase in androgens, which are male hormones that are present in both men and women. As people age, the balance of hormones can shift, and this can lead to the growth of hair in areas where it wasn’t common before, such as the ears, nose, or chin.

While it can be a natural part of aging, excessive ear hair growth may be a sign of other underlying health conditions, like hormonal imbalances or changes associated with certain medications. However, in most cases, it’s simply a normal, if sometimes annoying, sign of getting older. If the growth becomes bothersome, there are grooming options available to manage it.