Are your ear and nose hairs getting thicker with age? Researchers explain reasons

'Why do I suddenly have thick hair in my nose and ears?'
Has this question ever crossed your mind? As you age, you might start noticing longer, thicker hairs on your body where earlier you never had such developments. What is causing it? Should you be worried, and is there any solution? Australia's Bond University researchers, Dr Christian Moro and Dr Charlotte Phelps, explain on PTI. 

What causes it?
Sex hormones are the main reason for this change. The human body has two types of hair: fine and colourless 'vellus' hair and stiff, dark and thick 'terminal hair.' The hairs in our ears and nose play a protective role and stop foreign objects from entering the canals. Our bodies also produce sex hormones called androgens, which influence hair growth. Our body is exposed to these hormones for a long time, and as we age, and some of our vellus hair converts into darker, longer, terminal hairs. That is when they stick out of our ears and noses. The effect is more in men as they have a higher level of testosterone. 

Can it impact hearing?
No, unless you are using hearing aids, and the extra hairs affect their effectiveness. The researchers also opine that it is better not to pluck these hairs out with tweezers, as it can cause inflammation, ingrown hairs, and, at times, infections. The best solution is to trim the hair or use laser hair removal.