A Hair Growing Out of My Eardrum? Doctor: I See Nothing

This story was started on 10/25/2024, there are updates at the end of the article.

These are images from my own otoscope today. What the hell? I’ve had two doctors look in my left ear and both saw nothing unusual, yet I have been hearing a crunching sound. When I dug out an old otoscope, this is what I saw. There is what appears to be a thick black hair with a grey end to it embedded in my eardrum and the black part goes around the corner of the ear, ending I know not where.

I had this a few years ago (plus a grey one in the other ear) and an ENT pulled on it. When he did, it felt like it was pulling my brain, it was not a loose hair, it felt deeply embeded. The ENT asked if I had been out mowing the lawn and perhaps got some grass in there. I think he did not know that I had already seen these with my otoscope before visiting him, becuse they clearly look nothing like grass.

Is this causing my ear damage and high pitched tinnitus? What hairs are long and black with a grey end found deep in the ear canal?

Tragi Hair Theory

At first I thought these were “Tragi hairs.” Description: Larger, thicker, and stiffer terminal hairs that are more prominent than vellus hairs. Name Origin: The term “tragi” comes from Latin “tragos,” meaning “goat,” referencing their resemblance to a goat’s beard. Location: Found primarily in the outer portion of the ear canal, particularly on the tragus, antitragus, and sometimes extending over the helix. Characteristics: Can be numerous and prominent, especially in men. In extreme cases, they can grow quite long; records indicate lengths up to nearly 10 inches.

The primary cause of tragi hair growth inside the ear canal is hormonal changes, particularly related to testosterone. As men age, changing testosterone levels can stimulate increased hair growth in the ears[1].
– This process is similar to how testosterone affects hair growth in other parts of the body during and after puberty[1]. Genetics also play a significant role in the development of tragi hairs. The tendency to grow prominent ear hair is often inherited[3]. In some cases, excessive ear hair growth is considered a Y-linked trait, meaning it’s passed down through the male line[3].

What is the tragus of the Ear?

• The tragus is a small, cartilaginous prominence located at the front of the ear canal. It projects slightly backward over the external auditory meatus (ear canal) and is covered with skin.
• Function: The tragus helps in collecting sounds from behind and plays a role in sound localization by delaying sounds arriving from the rear compared to those from the front. It can also be pushed inward to cover the ear canal.

What is the Antitragus of the Ear?

• The antitragus is a small, cartilaginous structure located opposite the tragus. It projects upwards and forwards, situated just above the earlobe.
• Function: Like the tragus, the antitragus assists in protecting the ear canal and contributes to sound collection. Its position helps to shape the outer ear’s overall contour, which can influence sound directionality

What is the Helix of the Ear?

• The helix is the outer rim of the ear, forming a prominent curve that outlines the external ear (pinna). It is composed of cartilage and is covered by skin.
• Function: The helix helps in directing sound waves into the ear canal. Its shape contributes to the overall acoustics of how sound is captured and processed by the ear

NONE OF THIS IS INSIDE THE EAR CANAL! These are NOT “Tragi hairs”!

Location

It’s important to note that tragi hair growth is limited to specific areas of the ear. These hairs are found only in the outer cartilaginous portion of the ear canal, roughly the outer one-third[3]. The inner two-thirds of the ear canal, known as the bony ear canal, lacks the necessary skin structure to support hair follicles[3].

While the presence of some ear hair is normal and serves protective functions, excessive growth can sometimes interfere with the natural migration of earwax out of the ear canal[1][3]. If ear hair becomes problematic, individuals may choose to manage it through various grooming methods, always being careful not to damage the delicate structures of the ear.

Can Tragi Hairs Grow Into the Eardrum?

No. Tragi hairs do not grow all the way into the eardrum. Instead, they are primarily found in the outer portion of the ear canal, specifically in the cartilaginous section, which makes up approximately the outer one-third of the ear canal[9][10].

Okay, so .. what the Hell is this Black Hair with a Grey Tip Touching or Growing Out of my Left Eardrum?

Ear Hair Growth: The presence of hair in the ear canal, particularly if it’s dark with a grey tip, could be a form of auricular hypertrichosis. This condition involves hair growing on or in the outer ear and is usually harmless.

No, robots, it’s IN the CANAL, not “on or in the outer ear”!

Then I found this: I Seem to Have Oto-Tricho

Oto-tricho, also known as oto-tricho-tussia, is a rare disorder characterized by the abnormal growth of hair follicles in the tympanic membrane (TM). This condition can lead to various symptoms, including tinnitus, chronic pain, and potentially hearing loss. Oto-tricho remains a rare but significant condition that requires careful diagnosis and management to prevent complications such as chronic pain and hearing impairment.

Oto- tricho, also known as a disorder related to the growth of hair follicles in the tympanic membrane (TM), is a rare condition that affects the TM and middle ear canal, potentially leading to hearing loss and tinnitus. Tinnitus is a prevalent auditory condition, affecting approximately 10%–15% of the global population.1 It is more commonly observed in older adults, with a prevalence of up to 30% in individuals over the age of 65.2 Regarding gender distribution, some studies have indicated a higher prevalence of tinnitus in men compared to women.3 Histopathological findings suggest that hair follicles may grow in various areas of the TM, leading to involvement of all three layers: outer (squamous epithelium), middle (connective tissue), and inner (cuboidal epithelium). However, research has shown that hair follicles are particularly visible near the cone of light region.2,3 Oto- tricho is an extremely rare genetic disorder characterized by hearing loss, tinnitus, and abnormal hair growth in the ear canal or TM. Due to the limited number of reported cases, there is a scarcity of literature available …

Prognosis

Oto-tricho-tussia, or tinnitus, is a condition marked by hair growth within the tympanic membrane (TM), leading to pseudo-neuropathic symptoms such as gag reflex, tinnitus, chronic pain, headaches, cough, and nausea. Fortunately, this issue can be effectively treated with a simple procedure involving forceps and a microscope. By excising the hair and its follicle, patients can experience a gradual improvement in their symptoms.

Can Activating the Vagus Nerve cause Bradycardia?

Interesting that excessive stimulation of the TM can activate the vagus nerve, leading to non-infectious/non-allergic cough. Can it account for lower heart rate? Yes!  Vagal Tone and Heart Rate: The vagus nerve has a significant influence on heart rate through its parasympathetic fibers. When activated, it can lower heart rate by increasing vagal tone, which inhibits the sinoatrial (SA) node’s automaticity, leading to bradycardia.

Can Extended Bradycardia Lead to Stabbing Pains and Numbness?

Yes. Extended bradycardia, defined as a heart rate below 60 beats per minute, can lead to various symptoms due to insufficient blood flow and oxygen delivery to the body’s tissues. This condition can indeed result in stabbing pains and numbness, particularly if the heart rate drops significantly or persists over time[12][13].

But What if the So-Called Hair is Connected at Both Ends?

Structural Differences: Real human hair is composed of keratin and typically does not have a connection at both ends within the body. If an object is connected at both ends, it suggests that it may be a foreign body or an implant rather than actual hair.

Doctors Ignoring Spying Device Implants

I’m glad I looked into this because it is good to know that these are not some kind of implanted spying devices that I’ve been walking around with.  Just a super rare genetic hair growth disorder in my eardrums. That’s all. Whew. Next step is to get them removed and figure out why doctors can’t see them when I can take pictures of them. That is still a bit of a mystery.

If a doctor found a wire inside someone’s ear that was the thickness of a human hair, but was not a human hair, would they say anything to the patient?

Doctors are trained to prioritize patient safety and well-being. If they believe there is a foreign object, whether benign or potentially harmful, they are likely to inform the patient about their findings and recommend further investigation or removal.

What if they thought it might be a top secret device implanted in the brain?

A doctor encountering a bizarre situation, such as finding a potential experimental device in a patient’s body, would face significant ethical and professional responsibilities. While it might be tempting for some to ignore such unusual findings due to fear of involvement or the complexity of the situation, medical ethics generally dictate otherwise. Physicians are expected to exercise independent professional judgment. If they suspect something unusual, they have an obligation to investigate further rather than dismiss it out of fear or uncertainty.

If doctor’s hospital bosses were specifically told to ignore it by government agents, would the doctors comply to keep their jobs?

• Refusal to Comply: Many physicians would likely refuse to comply with such directives, prioritizing their ethical obligations over government pressure. Historical examples show that medical professionals have sometimes engaged in civil disobedience when laws or directives conflict with their ethical responsibilities.
• Seeking Guidance: A doctor might consult with legal counsel or medical ethics boards for guidance on how to navigate the situation while adhering to both legal and ethical standards.
• If a medical board pre-approved the decision to ignore an implanted device, the situation would be quite complex, involving ethical, legal, and professional considerations.

Okay, so now I just have to figure out if this is for certain a hair or a wire by pulling gently on it. It should only be attached at one end. Not easy to do at all, it keeps disappearing into the corners of my ear canal so I can no longer see it with the otoscope .But wait, doesn’t that mean it could not have been connected to the eardrum? But it clearly was in the video and still images I got. Strange. I’m not saying it’s aliens, but …

Update 10/26/2024

Here is a comparison, a hair that was in my ear (I think the right ear though?) on November 9th, 2021:

UPDATE 10-26-2024. After a day of working on it, I got the grey end to come out away from the eardrum. It was not growing out of the tympanic membrane, luckily. But the thick black end is still very firmly attached and I can’t see where. The hair from about three years ago does look more like a wire than a hair to me. Today when I grabbed it with some forceps, it even sort of crimped like a wire for a bit, then smoothed out? The follicle–or alien listening device, take your pick–seems like it is attached near the outer part of the external ear canal, in a recess the otoscope can not see. The black wire hair is certainly not coming from any part of the visible ear structure. I do have some Tragi hairs growing on the outter ear structure, and they look different to me compared to the long wire hair inside the canal. The origin of the wire hair may be in or near the outermost fissure of Santorini.

The Fissures of Santorini

The fissures of Santorini are natural openings or deficiencies located in the cartilaginous part of the external auditory canal.

The Fissures of Santorini are also known as incisurae cartilaginis meatus acustici. They are are small clefts or gaps in the cartilaginous portion of the external auditory canal. They are located between the cartilaginous and bony parts of the ear canal.  There are typically two fissures of Santorini present. They are found in the lateral aspect of the anterior cartilage of the external auditory canal. The fissures are vertical in orientation. They are located in the outer third of the external auditory canal, which is cartilaginous. CT scans or high-resolution MRI of the temporal bone can sometimes reveal these fissures. In anatomical studies or during surgical procedures, microscopes may be used to observe these small structures. Direct visualization of the Fissures of Santorini is not typically part of a routine ear examination.

Higher-end otoscopes with better magnification and lighting may offer improved visibility of fine anatomical details. An examiner with an otoscope may need to adjust the angle of the otoscope to view the anterior wall of the canal where the fissures are located. The fissures are small anatomical structures and may not always be clearly visible, even with a high-quality otoscope. Also, factors like cerumen accumulation, canal edema, or anatomical variations can obscure the view.

These fissures are significant because they can serve as pathways for the spread of infections or other processes between the external auditory canal and surrounding structures. For example, they allow for potential spread between the external auditory canal and the superior mastoid and parotid glands. Infections or inflammation can travel in both directions through these fissures.

A Few Hours of Nauseating Self-Otoscoping Later …

I don’t believe the wirehair in my left ear is growing out of a fissure of Santorini, it seems to be coming out of the canal near the back of my head, not the floor of the canal, where the Fissure of Santorini are.

Vanishing Hair Mystery Eplained? This explains why the doctors could see nothing touching the eardrum: I figured out that this wire hair curls up just behind the opening of the ear canal when I pull it out of the canal with a q-tip. Then, for some unknown reason, it snakes its way back down to the ear drum and I hear a crunching sound until I move it off of my eardrum and out of the ear canal again.

I grabbed the wire hair a few more times, but it is still way too painful to pull out. The blasted thing is seemingly growing oriented down into my ear and so it keeps heading back to my eardrum. Why is the just tip of the hair growing inside my ear canall white?  That is just one more bizzare detail, but it could be this: The ear canal contains both fine, colorless vellus hairs and thicker, pigmented terminal hairs. What I’m observing could be a vellus hair transitioning to a misplaced terminal hair, with the tip remaining unpigmented.

Terminal hairs, also known as tragi hairs, can indeed grow in the ear canal. These are thicker and darker than the fine vellus hairs that cover most of the body. Terminal hairs in the ear canal often become more prominent as men age. They can grow thicker and stiffer over time. The inner two-thirds of the ear canal, known as the bony ear canal, does not support hair growth due to insufficient dermis and hypodermis to support hair follicles. The presence of these hairs is normal and serves a protective function, working with earwax to form a barrier against germs, bacteria, and debris.

A hair that starts in the non-visible portion of the ear canal and grows long enough to touch the eardrum, however, is highly atypical and potentially concerning. An object touching or pressing against the eardrum can cause irritation, pain, or even rupture the eardrum, leading to complications such as hearing loss or infection.

In summary, given that something is touching your eardrum and considering the potential risks involved, seeking medical attention promptly is the best course of action. I made an appointment with a regular doctor to hopefully get an ENT referral right away.

UPDATE 10-30-2024, More Strangeness!

Well it just keeps getting weirder. I went to the ENT today and had hairs in both ears pulled. Driving home I could feel that the hair was still there, which I verified with the scope when I got home. On the right is the light brown hair that the ENT said he pulled out of my ear canal today and on the left is the dark wire hair that is STILL in my ear canal. The ENT told me that light hairs can look black in the otoscope. No, they don’t and the wire hair is clearly thicker than what he says he pulled.

The above are with the same otoscope a few seconds apart at the same distance, but in case that is not a good enough comparison, here is one with my clamp in the picture with both of them!

I’ve asked to meet with a hospital administrator to find out if there are ever cases where there is something in a patient’s body that doctors are not permitted to tell the patient. It’s probably just a black hair that looks like a wire but I spent a good amount of time confirming with the ENT that there is nowhere in the ear canal for any other hair to hide, that there was no place it could go where he could not see it. So, it either vanished while he was working, or he is lying about it. I don’t want to believe he was lying but he also injured me, bloody gouge in ear canal when puling a different hair and blamed me for being very sensitive. I won’t post the image of that because it is gross, but he did cause an injury that anyone would say “ouch!” about, basically cut me without anesthetic or any antibiotic afterward. If a barber or a dentist cuts you he will at least say, “oops, sorry” instead of “you are very sensitive.”

About the image above, his reply is that I can come in and he’ll take another look. What the actual hell? There is no way according to him that he could have missed something huge like that in the process of removing much thinner hairs. He just purposefully ignored it, pretended not to see it?!?

Can Wires Be Disguised as Human Hairs?

Yes, wires that can be disguised as human hairs do exist. These are typically very thin, flexible wires that can be made to closely resemble human hair in appearance and texture. They are sometimes used in various fields including entertainment (special effects), certain security applications, and potentially in surveillance technology.

• Surveillance: In some security applications, thin wires resembling hair might be used for discreet monitoring devices.

Here is some relevant information about carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and their potential use in discreet monitoring devices. Carbon nanotubes have several properties that make them potentially suitable for use in thin, hair-like wires for surveillance applications:

1. Electrical conductivity: CNTs can exhibit high electrical conductivity, with some single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) structures showing conductivity comparable to or better than metals[14][15]. This allows them to effectively transmit electrical signals.

2. Small size: CNTs are extremely thin, with diameters measured in nanometers[16]. This ultra-small size could allow for wires that are nearly invisible to the naked eye.

3. Strength and flexibility: Carbon nanotubes have exceptional tensile strength while remaining flexible[16]. This could allow for durable yet pliable wires that can be shaped as needed.

4. Low heat generation: CNTs produce much less heat than traditional metal conductors when carrying electrical current[14]. This could help prevent detection through thermal imaging.

5. Non-metallic: Being carbon-based rather than metallic, CNTs may be less likely to interfere with or be affected by magnetic fields like those used in MRI machines[14][16].

6. Customizable properties: The electrical properties of CNTs can be tailored through chemical modification or by controlling their structure[16]. This could allow for optimizing their performance for specific surveillance applications.

While the search results don’t specifically mention using CNTs for surveillance wires, their unique combination of properties makes them a potentially promising material for such applications. The ability to create extremely thin, flexible, and electrically conductive wires that generate minimal heat could be valuable for discreet monitoring devices.

However, it’s important to note that the development and use of such surveillance technology would likely raise significant ethical and legal concerns regarding privacy and consent. Any potential applications would need to be carefully considered within appropriate legal and ethical frameworks.

Implanting devices in people’s heads without consent would be highly unethical and illegal. US law protects citizens against unreasonable searches and electronic surveillance without proper legal authorization.

What would be proper legal authorization?

It’s crucial to understand that FISA and the FISC do not provide any legal basis for implanting devices in people’s heads. Such an action would be a severe violation of individual rights and far beyond the scope of what FISA authorizes. The surveillance methods covered by FISA are generally external and do not involve physical intrusion into a person’s body. Furthermore, FISA applications are subject to strict legal requirements and judicial review. They must demonstrate a significant foreign intelligence purpose and include appropriate minimization procedures to protect U.S. persons’ privacy. In conclusion, there is no legal authorization under FISA or any other U.S. law for implanting listening devices in people’s heads. Such an action would be illegal and a gross violation of constitutional rights.

Good to know.

Read More
^{[1] https://hearingreview.com/practice-building/practice-management/continuing-education/blog-page-wow-thats-ear-hair
[2] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324973
[3] https://hearinghealthmatters.org/waynesworld/2023/do-you-have-hairy-ears/
[4] https://www.earworx.com.au/why-is-there-hair-in-my-ears/
[5] https://www.healthline.com/health/ear-hair
[6] https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/hearing-problems/cholesteatoma
[7] https://inlandhearing.com/patient-resources/hearing-aids/effects-of-excess-ear-hair-on-hearing-aids-a-discussion-for-men/
[8] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2267455/
[9] https://lagrandehearing.org/patient-resources/hearing-aids/is-excess-ear-hair-affecting-the-performance-of-your-hearing-aids-a-frank-discussion-for-gentlemen/
[10] https://hearingreview.com/practice-building/practice-management/continuing-education/blog-page-wow-thats-ear-hair
[11] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ccr3.8412
[12] https://manhattancardiology.com/conditions/bradycardia/
[13] https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/arrhythmia/about-arrhythmia/bradycardia–slow-heart-rate
[14] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090320134041.htm
[15] https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-52794-9_4
[16] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_nanotube
[17] https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jpcc.2c03904
[18] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8874980/
[19] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0008622323005535
[20] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0008622311003526
[21] https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2001/08/counting-single-electrons-carbon-nanotube}