Is there any way a facelift can effect your hearing, if the sutures are so close to the ear?

Facelifts
themselves do not affect hearing. However, there are potential side effects to
a facelift that may cause a temporary sensation of decreased hearing. These
include blood in the ear canal, which can be removed by your doctor after
examination, and swelling near the ear canal, which is temporary. If you feel
your hearing has decreased after a facelift, you can visit your surgeon for a
follow-up visit to ascertain the reason for it and see if anything can be done.
The sutures themselves do not affect hearing in any way.

Usually the reason for hearing being affected after a facelift is due to debris in the ear canal. This could be fluid / blood  that has got into your ear canal during surgery. This should resolve of its own accord. I would ask your PS for advice and he/she could have a look at your ear canal. 

Thank you for your question.  Hearing should not be affected by sutures being placed close to the ear.  If you have any decreased hearing, let your surgeon know as you may have fluid or crusting that could block a portion or all of the external ear canal.