We all know the basics – that our ears allow us to hear (and keep our glasses on!), but what else is amazing about them? Here are five interesting facts you may not know about your amazing ears!
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1. Ears are self cleaning
That’s right, you can put down the cotton bud because your ears are self-cleaning! Ear wax not only moisturises your ear canal, it also traps dirt and dust before they can get deep into ear. Ear wax then naturally migrates out of your ears throughout the day.
2. Ears never sleep
Your ears are still at work even when your fast asleep. They hear all the sound around them but your brain minimises the processing of the sound, which is why we don’t remember the sounds we heard while we were sleeping.
3. Your ears contain the three smallest bones in the human body
The malleus, incus, and stapes (sometimes called the anvil, hammer and stirrup) are the smallest bones in the human body. The biggest of the three is the malleus, which is on average about 8 millilitres long. All three bones together could fit comfortably on a 5 cent coin – with room to spare!
4. Ears Help You Balance
Within your ears there are fluid filled semi-circular canals that are lined with tiny hairs. As your head moves, the fluid moves over the hairs sending signals to your brain so you can keep your balance!
5. Your Ears Are Unique
We all know our fingerprints are unique, but did you know your ears are as well? An international study looked at 2,225 photos of a people’s external ears and found that they were unique identifiers, distinguishable even between identical twins.
Our ears truly are incredible, which is why it is so important we take care of them. If you want to keep your ears working their best, feel free to come and see us for a Free Hearing Assessment.
