Ear-wiggling muscles, known as auricular muscles, become active when people strain to hear, a study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience discovered. These muscles are more active than previously believed, even though they may not have much of a functional purpose. While humans do not have the ability to move their ears as dramatically as animals like cats and dogs, the presence of these ear-moving muscles is still evident, as demonstrated by those who can wiggle their ears at will.
Research conducted by neuroscientist Andreas Schröer and his team involved observing 20 individuals with normal hearing listen to a recorded voice under distracting conditions, with electrodes placed around their ears to measure muscle activity. The superior auricular muscle, located above the ear and responsible for lifting it up, showed increased activation when listening conditions were difficult. This suggests that these muscles may have assisted human ancestors in collecting sounds millions of years ago, even though their current impact on hearing ability is uncertain.
While it is unlikely that these vestigial ear muscles contribute to improved hearing, their activity could serve as an indicator of a person’s hearing effort. This information may be valuable for hearing aid technology, allowing devices to adjust their settings when a person is struggling to hear. Schröer emphasizes the challenge of researching ear muscles due to the wide variability in their size and functionality among individuals, making it difficult to record their activity effectively.
The fascinating variations in ear anatomy and abilities among individuals have caught the attention of Schröer, who has encountered stories of remarkable ear talents, such as individuals who can feel their ears moving toward a sound or use ear movements in practical ways. For example, some people can adjust their glasses by wiggling their ears slightly. This diversity highlights the complexities of ear physiology and the importance of further investigation into the role of ear muscles in human hearing.
This research on ear muscles provides comfort to individuals with exceptional ear control, who may have previously felt isolated due to their unique abilities. Schröer notes that these individuals appreciate the validation that comes from scientific studies acknowledging and exploring the range of ear movements and talents present in humans. While the functional significance of ear-wiggling muscles remains unclear, ongoing research aims to uncover more about their potential role in human hearing and overall ear physiology.
