Does Ear Cartilage Harvesting for Rhinoplasty Affect Hearing? Also, Can It Affect Earring Use?

The loss of hearing that might happen from harvest of ear cartilage is minimal. I am only aware of one study by Dr. Fred Deleyianis that showed that it does happen.  You should not notice any hearing loss and after one year should be able to wear ear rings. 

Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2010 Mar;136(3):304-5. doi: 10.1001/archoto.2010.23.
Reconstruction of the concha to restore hearing after cartilage harvest for rhinoplasty.
Deleyiannis FW.
Source
Department of Surgery and Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pennsylvania, USA. deleyiannis.frederic@tchden.org

Regards
Dr. J
Disclaimer: This answer is not intended to give a medical opinion and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Once appropriately healed, one should be able to resume wearing earrings. Many plastic surgeons will recommend waiting at least 2 weeks after surgery, if not longer. Ear cartilage graft for rhinoplasty should not affect hearing. Speak with your plastic surgeon regarding any concerns you have. Best of luck.

Dr. Chaboki