Posted Wednesday June 4, 2025
We often take our ears for granted—until something goes wrong. But these small, intricate organs are doing some pretty amazing work every day. From keeping us balanced to picking up the softest whispers, your ears are true multitaskers. Let’s dive into some fun and fascinating facts about ears that might surprise you.
1. Your ears help you stay balanced
It’s not just about hearing! Deep inside your ear is a tiny structure called the vestibular system, which helps you keep your balance. It detects changes in your head’s position and motion—like when you turn, tilt or spin—and sends that information to your brain. So, if you've ever felt dizzy, it might actually be an issue with your ears!
2. Ears never stop hearing—even when you sleep
That’s right—your ears continue to pick up sound even when you’re fast asleep. Your brain simply chooses to ignore most noises so you can rest. It’s also why sudden sounds, like a loud bang or alarm, can wake you up quickly.
3. The smallest bones in your body are in your ears
Inside your middle ear are three tiny bones: the malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup). Together, they’re known as the ossicles. The stapes is the smallest bone in the human body—only about 3mm long!
4. Earwax is a good thing (in moderation)
It might not look pleasant, but earwax (cerumen) has a purpose. It protects your ear canal by trapping dust, dirt, and bacteria. It also keeps the skin inside your ears from becoming dry and itchy. Unless it’s causing problems, there’s no need to remove it.
5. Your ears are uniquely yours
Just like fingerprints, no two ears are the same. The shape, size, and folds of your outer ear (the pinna) are unique to you—and some smartphones even use ear shape as a form of biometric identification!
6. Hearing loss can sneak up on you
Hearing changes can be subtle. You might notice that conversations in busy cafés are harder to follow, or the TV volume keeps creeping up. Hearing loss often happens gradually, so regular hearing checks are a great idea—especially as you get older.
7. Loud sounds can cause permanent damage
Your ears are sensitive, and once the tiny hair cells in your inner ear are damaged by loud noise, they don’t grow back. It’s why wearing hearing protection at concerts, while using power tools, or even mowing the lawn is so important.
Caring for your ears starts with awareness
Our ears are incredible, delicate structures that deserve a bit of care and attention. If you’re ever unsure about a change in your hearing, or just curious about how your ears are doing, a free hearing check is a great place to start.